A youth-led initiative, Protecting and Activating Communities (PACT) Against Tobacco, has called upon the Lagos State Government to establish smoke-free public places, review the Tobacco Control Act of 2015, and enhance its implementation.
During a Youth Dialogue in Lagos, the group highlighted Nigeria’s alarming statistics on secondhand smoke-related deaths, with 27.6 million Nigerians exposed to smoking in public areas. They stressed the urgency of creating smoke-free environments in Lagos State and eagerly await the government’s response.
Key figures in attendance included Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), represented by Executive Assistant Adebowale Tolulope. Also present were representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the Ikeja Local Government.
As a member of C40 Cities, Lagos prioritizes environmental sustainability, recognizing tobacco smoke as a harmful pollutant. George Adjete, Lagos Lead of PACT Against Tobacco, emphasized the importance of engaging with young people to enforce anti-tobacco laws and policies, safeguarding public health and promoting economic growth.
Mr. Lana Promise, Pioneer Lagos State Youth Ambassador, highlighted the need for collaboration between government agencies and youth-led movements to combat tobacco misuse. Mr. Alabi Opeyemi Oladimeji, Senior Special Assistant to the State government on Youth Mobilization, affirmed the government’s support for youth-led initiatives promoting sustainable development.
In a keynote address, Babatunde Ajayi of LASEPA outlined the government’s efforts, including youth engagement and public awareness campaigns, to address tobacco control.
The initiative urges the Lagos State Government to take decisive action towards a smoke-free future, prioritizing the health and well-being of Lagosians.
