By correspondent in Ilorin.
Concerned mothers in Kwara State took to the streets of Ilorin on Saturday, calling on the government to tighten tobacco control measures and protect children from the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke.
The awareness campaign, organized by Bundies Care Support Initiative in collaboration with Protecting and Activating Communities Against Tobacco, was held to mark World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique,” with a subtheme “Mothers’ Voices Against Tobacco in Our Children.”
During the march, Mrs. Funmilayo Osiegbu, Executive Director of Bundies Care Support Initiative, emphasized the urgent need for the strict enforcement of Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act. She stressed that tobacco smoke poses severe health risks to children and families.
“We cannot stand by as our children are exposed to harmful tobacco products,” Osiegbu declared. “The government must introduce stronger policies to curb tobacco advertising, prevent youth access to these products, and protect public health from the tobacco industry’s influence.”
Osiegbu also cited the successful tobacco regulation efforts by mothers in Jordan and urged Nigerian mothers to unite in demanding action.
Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Opeyemi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health. Represented by the ministry’s Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mrs. Ramat Akanni, Opeyemi stressed that the state has a zero-tolerance policy towards smoking, including shisha and other tobacco products.
Professor Abiodun Afolayan, Chairman of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Kwara State Chapter, highlighted the deadly effects of smoking, particularly lung cancer. “Many smokers fail to realize the dangers until it’s too late. Tobacco use often leads to severe health complications, including death,” he warned.
Mr. Lekan Mikail, Special Adviser on Drug Abuse to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, praised the campaign as a crucial addition to the state’s fight against drug abuse. He urged parents to be vigilant in protecting their children from smoking and substance abuse.
Market leaders also supported the campaign. The Iyaloja of Yoruba-Road Market, Hajia Mulikat Ajide, called on traders and market women to discourage their children from smoking and drug abuse.
The march saw participation from groups such as the Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and officials from the Kwara State Ministry of Health.
Carrying placards with slogans like “Government, act now against smoking!”, “No smoking, no cancer—don’t burn your life!”, and “Smoking and lung cancer go hand in hand!”, the mothers reaffirmed their commitment to a tobacco-free future for their children.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
