Over 5 Million Nigerian Youths Addicted To Cigarette Smoking –CAPPA

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) revealed that over 80 million people globally have died from tobacco smoking, with developing countries bearing 75% of these deaths. In Nigeria, CAPPA disclosed that more than five million youths are addicted to cigarette smoking, endangering their lives. A stakeholder engagement event organized by CAPPA and the National Films and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) highlighted the pressing need to address tobacco use, particularly among the youth.

Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, emphasized the severity of tobacco’s impact, citing its contribution to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the high mortality rate globally, especially in developing nations. He underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, stating that Nigeria faces a grim future with millions of youths addicted to smoking. Oluwafemi stressed the collective responsibility of society, including parents and industry stakeholders, to safeguard the younger generation and advocate for a smoke-free environment.

NFVCB Executive Director, Dr. Shaibu Husseni, echoed concerns about the harmful effects of smoking portrayed in media, particularly in the film industry. He emphasized the need for industry players to self-regulate to prevent the glamorization of smoking and other harmful behaviors in movies. Husseni highlighted the influential role of the film industry in shaping societal norms and called for concerted efforts to promote healthier portrayals in media content.

Husseni emphasized the NFVCB’s regulatory role in the film industry and its commitment to censoring and classifying films to ensure compliance with standards. He called for collaboration among stakeholders to advance the industry while promoting a smoke-free society. Despite acknowledging the industry’s progress, Husseni urged greater attention to content regulation, particularly regarding depictions of harmful substances like tobacco.

In conclusion, CAPPA’s revelation of the alarming rate of tobacco addiction among Nigerian youths underscores the urgent need for action to combat this public health challenge. The stakeholder engagement event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between civil society organizations, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to promote healthier media content and protect the well-being of the younger generation.