Nigeria: anti-tobacco campaign launched

The Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria launched a national tobacco-free campaign that is set to last from June to December 2017. The campaign is an example of the efforts of Nigeria to strengthen implementation of its obligations under Article 12 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), that Nigeria ratified in October 2005.

The Tobacco-Free Nigeria Advocacy Programme campaign, supported by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, an Observer to the Conference of the Parties, aims to educate the population about the National Tobacco Control Act that was signed into law in 2015. It focuses on reaching young Nigerians in a country were youth smoking rates are high; the campaign also raises awareness to people’s right to protect themselves from second-hand smoke in public places.

To reach that target, the Ministry of Health decided to use social media by disseminating the now popular hashtag #ClearTheAir and call on influential leaders such as Nigerian music superstars Timi Dakolo and Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, known as Mr. Eazi, and Miss Saadatu Hamu Aliyu of the World Economic Forum’s Abuja Global Shapers Hub.

Education centered approach is a beneficial way to move forward in the implementation of the WHO FCTC. The Convention Secretariat is congratulating Nigeria on its campaign and efforts to save the lives of young people.

Videos from the campaign:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF0OKsO3z2A&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPNTSEYTuK8&feature=youtu.be

For more details please see: http://health.gov.ng/index.php/component/content/article/78-featured/384-nigeria-to-launch-tobacco-free-campaign