Youth-led group calls for smoke-free public places in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has been urged by a youth-led initiative, Protecting and Activating Communities Against Tobacco, to create smoke-free public places in the state, review and strengthen implementation of the 2015 Tobacco Control Act.
A statement made available to PUNCH Healthwise indicated that the group made the call during a youth dialogue tagged #CleanAirNaija, held in Ikeja, the state capital.
PACT urged the Lagos state government to take decisive actions towards a smoke-free future.
“We demand the government’s commitment to our cause through directives to ban smoking in public spaces. Secondly, the government should pledge to put up smoke-free signage in all public spaces and avoid further construction/creation of designated smoking areas, which only encourage indoor smoking, and thirdly, more awareness campaigns to enlighten people on the dangers of secondhand smoke.”
According to studies, Nigeria records the fourth-highest number of deaths from second-hand smoke in Africa, with 27.6 million Nigerians exposed to smoke in public places.
The statement said the urgent need to create smoke-free public places in Lagos state cannot be overemphasised.
“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 three cigarettes, in 30 minutes, you will emit 10 times more harmful particles than an idling diesel engine,” the youth initiative stated.
Lagos Lead of PACT, 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 on the environment, adding that smoke-free spaces are critical for the health, and economic growth of communities.
“We must ensure that our public spaces are safe for everyone to breathe free from harmful toxins,” he added.
Pioneer Lagos State Youth Ambassador and President of the Lagos State University Medical Students Association, Mr Lana Promise, called on 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 the people.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the State government on Youth Mobilization, 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.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, who was represented by the Executive Assistant of the agency, Ms Adebowale Tolulope, in his keynote address, highlighted youth engagement, public awareness campaigns, among other steps being taken by the state government to address tobacco control.
