By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar| Katsina TIMES
As part of the global observance of World No Tobacco Day, the Katsina State Ministry of Health has raised alarm over the health threats posed by tobacco use, especially among the youth, and called for urgent collective action to combat its rising consumption.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Katsina, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, urged residents to be aware of the devastating consequences of smoking and to reject the influence of the tobacco industry.
“Our duty as health officials is to alert the public to the severe consequences of tobacco use, which include cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses. This is a silent killer that claims more than eight million lives globally every year,” he warned.
Alhaji Adamu lamented that despite public health efforts, the tobacco industry continues to deploy aggressive marketing tactics especially targeting young people by making smoking appear fashionable. He described this as a direct threat to the future of Nigeria’s youth and society at large.
“This is a day for us all to come together and choose the health of our people over the profits of tobacco companies,” the commissioner declared.
He further praised the ongoing efforts of the Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, which he said is committed to strengthening healthcare systems and supporting health awareness campaigns across the state.
The press conference was attended by members of the state legislature, public enlightenment groups, and civil society organisations working in partnership with the Ministry to promote public health and discourage tobacco use.
World No Tobacco Day is commemorated every year on May 31st, following its declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987. The global campaign is designed to raise awareness of the harmful health effects of tobacco products and to encourage governments and civil societies to implement policies that reduce tobacco consumption.
Each year, the day adopts a different theme, and the focus in 2025 is:
"Tobacco is Killing Us – Let’s Choose Health Over Harm."
The goal is to educate people about the dangers of smoking, expose the manipulative strategies of tobacco manufacturers, and promote quitting among smokers. According to WHO, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually.
The Katsina Health Ministry’s call aligns with this global effort, reinforcing the message that fighting tobacco use requires not only government policy but also grassroots community awareness and youth engagement.
