The Federal Government has restated its commitment to tackling use and abuse of tobacco products and other illicit drugs among Nigerian youth, as well as smoking in public places across the country.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, who received a team of tobacco control and youth advocates alongside the Africa Regional Director at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), Mrs. Bintou Camara-Bityeki and local partner organisations, made the commitment on September 27, 2023 at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids is a public health organisation that supports and provides technical assistance to the government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria to enact and implement tobacco control policies.
At the meeting, Ibrahim restated her commitment to confront the issue of tobacco consumption among young people and acknowledged the significant challenges posed by tobacco use among the nation’s youth.
She also stressed the need for collaborations with relevant stakeholders to enlighten Nigerians about the health risks associated with youth tobacco consumption.
“We must be proactive in establishing mechanisms that adopt a preventive stance towards tobacco smoking in children. It’s imperative to adhere to the Act prohibiting tobacco smoking in public areas, especially to prevent exposure to second-hand smoke,” she stated.
Introducing the youth advocates, Camara-Bityeki highlighted their mission to sensitise Nigerians about the hazards of tobacco use. She opined that tobacco use is the gateway to the use of other substances and tobacco companies target the youth to replace aging or ill users to ensure their profitability.
She further stressed the significance of raising awareness, saying: “Tobacco smoking results in the deaths of eight million individuals annually, with 1.2 million connected to second-hand smoke exposure.”
Tobacco’s negative health effects are well documented, and its consumption by the younger generation poses a significant threat to the country’s future.
On his part, in-Country Lead for CTFK, Michael Olaniyan, emphasised the importance of limiting Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS), particularly in the entertainment industry, where tobacco imagery is glamorised to encourage the youth to indulge in the deadly habit of smoking and using other tobacco products.
In Nigeria, the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015 provides an essential legislative framework limiting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. However, its effectiveness hinges on robust implementation, enforcement and collaboration amongst relevant government agencies, advocacy groups, educators and healthcare professionals.
A youth advocate and project lead for the Protecting and Activating Communities Against Tobacco (PACT) Programme with hubs in Abuja, Lagos and Kano, Ahmad stated that NYSC Camps in Nigeria are in violation of the Tobacco Control Law by the sale of tobacco products and tobacco use in public spaces in and around the camps, thereby exposing the youth to the deadly consequences of tobacco use including exposure to second-hand smoke.
She urged the Minister to act urgently on the matter to which Ibrahim made a commitment to work with youth advocates and engage the relevant key government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that NYSC camps nationwide become smoke-free.
Beauty West Africa Conference to focus on brand building in cosmetics sector
The Beauty West Africa Conference is poised to provide beauty businesses with valuable insights into introducing and strengthening brands within Nigeria and the wider region.
Being part of the esteemed Beauty West Africa trade event, the conference will focus on a range of pertinent topics, encompassing entrepreneurship, leadership, sustainability, technological trends and regulatory advancements in the beauty industry.
The event, which will run from November 28 to 30, 2023 at the Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, is now in its fifth edition and remains Africa’s most prominent beauty trade show. Covering all four halls at the exhibition centre, it hosts over 250 beauty, cosmetics and hair care companies, representing thousands of brands from across the globe.
Anticipating over 5,000 visitors and participants in three days, the event has become a major hub for beauty professionals, enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and the African continent.
Key to the conference’s appeal is its diverse agenda, designed to benefit both domestic talent and businesses seeking international expansion through imports or exports. A focal point of discussion will revolve around communication strategies for successful brand building.
Participants will also delve into sustainability practices within the Nigerian beauty industry, explore transformative technological trends, and brainstorm ways to develop a regulatory framework that supports beauty businesses and industry professionals.
Eryca Freemantle, Global Beauty Strategist and Founder of the E.A.T.O.W Make-up club in the United Kingdom (UK), will serve as the International Guest Speaker on the first day of the conference. She will deliver an address with the theme: The Artistry and Business of Make-up: Illuminating the Intelligent Path to Beauty across Continents.
The conference’s program was meticulously crafted by beauty expert and communications strategist Ezinne Alfa, the Founder of Beauty in Lagos (BiL).
Expressing her vision for the event, she said: “Over the past few years, our event has gained a reputation for bringing together industry leaders, innovators and experts to discuss critical topics shaping the beauty industry.
“As the official conference partner, BiL aims to make this year’s conference a truly remarkable experience for our attendees, by curating a schedule that not only showcases the latest trends and innovations in the beauty industry but also provides valuable insights and perspectives from thought-leaders.”
The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is expected to deliver a keynote address.
Joining the roster of notable speakers are Medical Aesthetician and Founder, Hello Perfect Aesthetic and Laser Clinic, Onyeka Ugwu; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Glam Brand Agency, Bola Balogun; Founder and Managing Director of ORIKI Group, Joycee Awosika, as well as Founder of The Makeup Fair Series, Omolola Faleye and Broadcast Media Professional, Olamide Akintobi.
The Beauty West Africa Conference and trade show collectively aims to empower the cosmetics industry with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving and competitive marketplace.
Beauty enthusiasts and business leaders are invited to participate and tap into this valuable resource for growth and innovation.
