FG Bans Shisha Smoking in Public, orders Police to Arrest offenders

“Data from 2014 WHO – NCD Global Status Report showed that heart related diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory disease killed 38 million (68%) persons out of the 56 million global deaths recorded in 2012, and sadly, more than 40% of these deaths occurred before the age of 70 years. It is generally agreed that tobacco will kill more than 50% of its users when used exactly as recommended by its manufacturers.

“Globally there are more than 1 billion smokers, and more than 7 million people are killed by tobacco annually. Of this, more than 6 million die from direct tobacco use, and close to 900,000 from exposure to second-hand smoke. I must add that the low and middle income countries including Nigeria bear nearly 80% of the global burden.

“This indeed calls for increased awareness on the impact of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand tobacconpro on cardiovascular health,” he added.

Adewole who exposed plans of tobacco producing companies to hide under the guise of non-governmental organisations on a Smoke-Free World to partner with thee public to further project their businesses, advised Nigerians to be careful in entering into partnerships they weren’t sure of.

“May I inform you that we are not oblivious of the conscious efforts by the tobacco industry to project their business above the health of the public. In view of this we are duty-bound to protect Government Laws, Regulations and Policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with the WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the NTC Act 2015. Recently, Philip Morris International (PMI) under the guise of the ‘Foundation for a Smoke-Free World’ is persuading the public to partner with the Foundation.

“May I caution in strong terms that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Academia, Professional bodies, Non-Governmental Organizations and members of the public not to accept support from or enter into partnership agreement with this Foundation or any tobacco industry or their front groups as this might lead to irreconcilable conflict of interest. If the tobacco industry means well they must stop manufacturing tobacco products,” he added.