UNAN sensitises youths on dangers of tobacco, nicotine substance

…Holds inter-school debate

The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) has held a one–day forum in Lagos to educate and sesnsitise secondary school students across Nigeria and Africa on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine substance use.

The event, which held under the theme, ‘Unmasking the appeal: Countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’, brought together secondary school students from both public and private schools in the state.

Speaking at the event, Oluremi Olutimo, president, UNAN, linked the use of tobacco as a major preventable cause of disease and death globally, adding that tobacco usage leads to increased risk of cancers, heart disease, stroke, respiratory ailments, and many other life-threatening health problems.

Despite years of public health efforts, Olutimo who is a professor affirmed that nicotine products, flavored tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and intensive digital marketing were currently introducing the youth to nicotine and tobacco use.

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According to him, “The debate would serve as a reminder that addiction does often start with products that are perceived as fun, safe, trendy or ‘cool’.

“But beneath all the eye-catching packaging and attractive advertising is a deadly product that can destroy health, diminish life quality, and place enormous stress on families and the community.

“This will equip participants with knowledge, creativity and leadership competencies required to effectively contest tobacco industry power, as well as promote healthier life”.

Monica Nwosu, executive director, Heart Aglow Foundation, highlighted the importance of the inter school debate championship, adding that it aimed to ensure that the young minds understand the impact and the implication when it comes to substance abuse.

According to her, “The truth is, peer pressure is real. Even if they decide not to take, but if there is a lot of peer pressure, they can succumb to those peer pressure. And that is why we are raising this awareness through the debate.”

Nwosu, who is a member of UNAN, disclosed that at the end of the debate, her association would come up with a policy document.

“We’re going to be collaborating with relevant government stakeholders and relevant ministries, agencies, and departments of the government to ensure that this policy is translated into law to limit the consumption of this substance.

“We know that outright ban may be a tall order. But then again, we are advocating that the control should be more effective,” she said.

Speaking on ‘How the tobacco and nicotine industry is exploiting vulnerable youths’, Chente Okoli commended the organisers of the event, adding that it would go a long way in educating the young minds on the dangers of emerging addictive products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and synthetic nicotine devices.

Okoli, who is a certified emotions doctor, highlighted the need for youth to avoid substance abuse no matter the challenge facing them.

“There’s no need for them to run to substance abuse, just to be able to pour down some emotions.

“It is ideal for youth to be able to navigate things head on and not look for easy way to come out of that situation.

“The tobacco and the nicotine industry are doing a lot of things to bring in new appealing products so as to lure these youth who are leaders of tomorrow in to substance use.

“The way to prevent this is to educate the youth on time on the dangers of substance abuse and that will enable them take the right decision,” she said.

Halima Lawan, head, Business Development Africa, Study Now, regretted that a lot of young students have gone into use of tobacco, adding that many start from cigarettes, down to drugs, alcohol, among others.

Lawan called for more awareness on the dangers associated with substance use, adding that such would make the youth understand the consequences that come with it.

Speaking on ‘Psychology of nicotine addiction, mental health and relationship therapist, Jacinta Powell, said that nicotine targets adolescents because they are little children who do not have ability to say no.

She stressed the need for parents to be present in their children’s lives, adding “parents need to be present in their children’s lives, because they are the ones who will make decisions for them that the children cannot make themselves.”.

Ikeja Senior High School Lagos emerged winner of the debate which was the second in its series; clinching N200,000 prize money.