A youth-led initiative, Protecting and Activating Communities (PACT) Against Tobacco, has called on the Lagos State Government to create smoke-free public places in the state, review the Tobacco Control Act of 2015, and strengthen its implementation.
Making the call during a Youth Dialogue in Lagos, they noted that studies has shown that Nigeria has the fourth-highest number of deaths from secondhand smoke in Africa, with 27.6 million Nigerians exposed to smoking in public places.
They insisted that the urgent need to create smoke-free public places in Lagos State cannot be overemphasised, and the government’s response to the call is eagerly awaited.
In attendance was the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency LASEPA Babatunde Ajayi, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Lagos State Government on Environmental Protection, Ms Adebowale Tolulope.
The Honorable Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development ably represented by the SSA to the state governor on Youth as well as the Leader of the House at the Ikeja Local Government Hon. Ayotunde Adenuga and a Delegation of the Lagos State Youth Parliament led by the deputy speaker Hon. Soyiga.
Lagos is a pioneer member of C40 Cities, a global network of major cities that work together to
address climate change and sustainable environmental practices with a focus on quality air, it is important to mention that tobacco smoke is a harmful pollutant because it’s an aerosol full of particles from burning tobacco and additives.
These particles are much more numerous than those emitted by an idling diesel engine, to give you an idea, if you smoke 3 cigarettes, in 30 minutes you emit 10 times more harmful particles than an idling diesel engine.
Speaking, Lagos Lead of PACT Against Tobacco, George Adjete, emphasised the need for government officials to converse with young people to enforce laws and implement policies against tobacco misuse, especially in public spaces within the state.
He decried the negative effects of tobacco smoke, not just on human health but also on the environment adding that smoke-free spaces are critical for the health, and economic growth of our communities. We must ensure that our public spaces are safe for everyone to breathe free from harmful toxins.
Speaking, Pioneer Lagos State Youth Ambassador and President of the Lagos State University Medical Students Association, Mr. Lana Promise, called on the governmental agencies saddled with the responsibility of enforcing the Tobacco Control Act and policies to collaborate with youth-led movements in the state to curb and protect her citizenry.
The Senior Special Assistant to the State government on Youth Mobilisation, Mr. Alabi Opeyemi Oladimeji, spoke extensively on the willingness of the state government to support youth-led initiatives that would drive change and sustainable development in Lagos. He also assured the participants that the state government promotes healthy and smoke-free public spaces.
During the Keynote address, the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Lagos State Government on Environmental Protection, Ms. Adebowale Tolulope, enumerated youth engagement, public awareness campaigns, among other steps being taken by the state government to address tobacco control.
They further urged the Lagos State Government to take decisive actions towards a smoke-free future for the people of Lagos State.
