As part of activities to mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, the Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to protecting children and young people from the growing influence of the tobacco industry.

At a press briefing held at the Commissioner’s Conference Hall, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Musa Adamu Funtua, described this year’s global theme—”Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”—as both timely and urgent.

“Our young people are being targeted by profit-driven tactics that exploit their curiosity and lack of awareness,” Dr. Funtua said. “This poses a clear and present danger to our children’s health and our society’s future.”

A GROWING THREAT: ONE IN FIVE TEENS AT RISK

Referencing data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, the commissioner revealed that nearly one in five Nigerian adolescents has experimented with tobacco products. Many are enticed by flavored tobacco, digital ads, and social media branding—tactics that often escape regulation and are deliberately aimed at youth.

Dr. Funtua expressed deep concern over the dropping age of tobacco initiation, warning that the tobacco industry is deliberately manipulating youth through subtle, tech-driven marketing.

THE HUMAN COST: FAMILIES AND HEALTh SYSTEMS OVERWHELMED

The commissioner also highlighted the broader health implications: globally, tobacco kills over 8 million people annually, with more than 1 million deaths attributed to second-hand smoke. In Nigeria, tobacco-related illnesses—such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disorders—continue to place immense pressure on families and the national healthcare system.

A CALL FOR UNITY:

In response, the Katsina State Government is stepping up legislative efforts to tighten tobacco advertising restrictions, ban flavored products, and intensify public awareness campaigns, particularly among young people.

“We need the involvement of everyone—parents, teachers, civil society, the media, and especially the youth—to counter this harmful influence,” Dr. Funtua said. “Together, we can build a generation that chooses health over harm.”

EMPOWERING YOUTH: FROM TARGET TO ADVOCATE

The commissioner encouraged young people to become anti-tobacco ambassadors within their schools and communities.

“Say no to tobacco, no to manipulation, yes to life and a healthy Katsina State,” he urged. “Protecting our children is not negotiable. A society that allows the exploitation of its youth by tobacco companies is a society at risk.”

LOOKING AHEAD: A TOBACCO-FREE FUTURE FOR NIGERIA

As the world observes World No Tobacco Day 2025, the Katsina State Government is calling on all Nigerians to join hands in safeguarding future generations from addiction, disease, and premature death.

“We must choose strength over addiction,” Dr. Funtua concluded. “Together, we can create a healthier, tobacco-free Katsina—and Nigeria.”

Watch and find enlightening facts about #WorldNoTobaccoDay here: