The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change, will be taking part in the 60th session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Taking place in Bonn from June 3 to 13, 2024, it is also known as the Bonn Climate Conference.
Jim Skea, IPCC Chair
In the lead-up to the Conference, on Sunday, June 2, the IPCC Chair, Jim Skea, addressed the opening of the Dialogue on the importance of Just Transition pathways to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
On Monday, June 3, the first official day of the Conference, the IPCC Secretary, Abdalah Mokssit, will speak at the opening of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA).
The next day, Tuesday, June 4, the IPCC Chair will address the opening of the Research Dialogue.
Over the next week, the IPCC will also participate in the expert dialogue on children and climate change, expert dialogue on mountains and climate change, and the in-session workshop on progress in implementing the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan and on future work to be undertaken under gender and climate change.
The IPCC Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI), together with the UNFCCC Secretariat, will host a side event on the IPCC Inventory Software as a tool to support the Enhanced Transparency Framework Implementation under the Paris Agreement on June 5.
At another side event scheduled for June 6, the IPCC Chair and Bureau Members will present the scientific foundations of the products that will be produced in the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle and plans to enhance engagement with IPCC Focal Points.
In addition to these, IPCC experts will also be taking part in other side events and activities.
The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in 1988 to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. In the same year the UN General Assembly endorsed the action by the WMO and UNEP in jointly establishing the IPCC. It has 195 member states.
The IPCC is currently in its seventh assessment cycle, which formally began in July 2023 with the elections of the new IPCC and Taskforce Bureaus at the IPCC’s Plenary Session in Nairobi.
At its 60th Session (January 2024, Istanbul), the Panel agreed to produce the three Working Group contributions to the Seventh Assessment Report and its Synthesis Report, a Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and a Methodology Report on Short-lived Climate Forcers. During this cycle, the Panel will also deliver a Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage.
The NNPC Ltd has reiterated its commitment to sustain the company’s march towards process improvement, regulatory compliance and performance excellence.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari
NNPC’s Executive Vice President, Business Services, Mr. Inuwa Danladi, disclosed this while speaking on the recent certification of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Compliance obtained by the Company, from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
The ISPS certification, issued in April 2024 and covering all NNPC jetties nationwide, is crucial for the Company’s business continuity as it prevents potential operational disruptions and financial losses.
Beyond demonstrating NNPC’s continuous adherence to regulatory compliance, Inuwa said the certification also grants the Company entry into the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), enhancing its reputation as a safe and reliable business destination and potentially reducing the company’s insurance premiums.
Inuwa listed some of the rigorous processes followed in obtaining the certification to include the upgrading of relevant security facilities at the nation’s ports and jetties; the establishment of the ISPS Code Command Centre; as well as the engagement of NIMASA Recognised Security Officer (RSO), who played a crucial role in managing key regulatory processes.
Inuwa added that the development of Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) & Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP), coupled with the meticulous Verification Inspection Exercise (VIE) from NIMASA have also underscored NNPC’s commitment to ensuring adherence to the highest standards of maritime security in the Company’s operations.
“This achievement is a testament to our consistent dedication, and we pledge to continue striving towards attaining regulatory excellence in all our operations,” Inuwa noted.
Sustainable Environment and Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA), an NGO, says it has empowered communities in Jos and environs for environmental sustainability.
Participants at the workshop
Mrs Ololade Adegoke, Chief Executive Officer, SEFFA, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Abuja.
She said that SEFFA, a Jos-based NGO, is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection as well as empowering young girls in the fight against climate change.
“Since its inception in 2008, SEFFA has been a pivotal force in empowering communities, especially women, to improve their livelihoods and contribute to environmental sustainability
“The organisation continues to complement the efforts of government and development partners in promoting climate-friendly actions and ensuring a sustainable environment for humans, livestock, and plants.’’
According to her, the foundation welcomes partnerships with development organisations and government bodies to further their mission of advocacies, actions and sustainable practices.
The chief executive officer emphasised the importance of raising awareness about climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.
According to her, by providing education and resources, SEFFA aims to create a new generation of “climate smart ambassadors” who can drive change in their communities.
“By educating young girls about climate change and its impacts, we prepare them to ask the right questions and take meaningful actions to address these challenges.’’
She said SEFFA recently conducted a three-day training programme from May 16 to May 19 in Jos with the theme “Building Life Resilience for Climate Change in Jos, Plateau.’’
Adegoke said that the young girls who participated in the training would not only serve as ambassadors but also become influential voices for change in their communities and beyond.
“The involvement of future leaders in climate advocacy is crucial.’’
She said that SEFFA also recently concluded a programme in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme and the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA).
Adegoke said that the collaboration brought together 48 young girls from selected secondary schools and communities in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas.
“During the training, participants engaged in sessions such as: Introduction to Climate Change and Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices, Financial Literacy for Young Farmers Building Synergy through Cooperatives and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
“Others are General Hygiene Practices for Girls and the Introduction to Solar Charging Point Business.
“SEFFA has a series of climate-smart activities planned for July, which will expand their outreach to more communities,” she said.
On his part, Newton Akpona, acting Chairman of the National Sector Skills Council for Agriculture and Agri-processing, highlighted the significance of creating awareness among young farmers.
He said that fostering a positive mindset and adopting climate-smart practices were essential steps in mitigating the effects of climate disasters.
On May 14, 2024, SEFFA also distributed farm inputs to communities in Gurapwana, Dahwol-Bob, and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area.
SEFFA is collaborating with the Federal College of Veterinary Research and Medical Laboratory Technology, Vom, to build a greenhouse facility and to support individuals, families, and societies in adopting smart agricultural practices.
Climate charity Ashden has called for funders, investors and policymakers to step up support for proven climate solutions.
The representatives of the seven winning organisations celebrating at the 2024 Ashden Awards in London June 27, 2024. The winners, from the UK and Africa, were chosen for their exemplary climate solutions in business, social enterprise or non-profit organisations. Photo credit: Andy Aitchison/Ashden
Speaking at the 2024 Ashden Awards ceremony, CEO Ashok Sinha said the winning organisations and their peers risked being “left in the wilderness” without more backing to scale up their work.
The line-up of winners revealed in London on Thursday, June 27, 2024, features businesses, social enterprises and charities, from the UK and Africa. Their achievements include bringing clean power to refugees in Uganda and older people in Northern England and restoring nature in the UK and Tanzania.
Sinha said their success proves it’s essential that action on social inequality and progress to a zero-carbon future go hand-in-hand.
He explained: “People in positions of power and influence should know: this stuff works. These are exactly the kind of innovations that we’re going to need to avert the climate catastrophe, but also make sure people are able to lead much more healthy and prosperous lives.”
The ceremony took place at London’s Institution of Engineering and Technology. It was a flagship event of London Climate Action Week.
Winning organisations are either delivering clean energy solutions or protecting and restoring nature. The Ashden Awards recognise inclusive solutions that deliver a wide range of benefits, from new jobs to community resilience, as well as lowering emissions.
The first Ashden Awards were given in 2000. Winners receive a grant and publicity, as well as connection to investors, policymakers, and other potential partners. They are chosen by panels of expert judges including academics, entrepreneurs, journalists and others.
This year’s winners included Uganda’s Patapia. The organisation offers affordable loans that help women in refugee camps buy solar products such as lights – and also use clean energy to launch their own business.
Co-founder, Geoffrey Omoding, said: “We’ve gotten more opportunities out of this than we would ever have thought. First of all, we are going to use the award to go on and finance more women entrepreneurs.
“I know that everyone at home is very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. But this award doesn’t go to us. It goes to those women.”
The Katsina State Government has vowed to retrieve all forests that have been illegally converted to farmlands across the 34 local government areas of the state.
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Press, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Katsina, the state capital.
He said that the measure followed the approval of the report of the investigative committee that identified some strategic forests converted to farmlands in the state.
Aliyu-Yar’adua said: “That all those who acquired farmlands from such forests are hereby advised to vacate them with immediate effect, as the committee will commence the enforcement of the directive.
“The public is reminded that only the Governor reserves the power or privilege to approve the allocation of any government forest or piece of land in urban areas within the state.
“People are warned to take note of this information so as to avoid the wrath of the law.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is desirous of a tobacco-free Nigeria and for its products to be completely banned in the nation.
Tobacco smoking
The Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, said this on Friday, May 31, in Abuja at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 World No Tobacco Day with the theme “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”.
According to Mulombo, everyone can work toward ensuring future generation is free from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
He said: “I dream of the day when tobacco products will be banned in Nigeria, not allowed to be sold or bought.”
He also said that the tobacco industry must be held accountable for the harm caused to health, the environment and the economy.
He added that “tobacco is responsible for more than eight million deaths annually, with more than seven million of the deaths being results of direct tobacco use, while around 1.2 million non-smokers die from exposure to second-hand smoke.
“A recently released report by WHO termed ‘Hooking the Next Generation’ showed that an estimated 37 million children aged 13 to 15 years use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents exceeds that of adults.
“The report also indicated that most adults who use tobacco started when they were children or young adults, with lifetime users most likely to become hooked before the age of 21 years.
“This indicates that the industry targets youths for a lifetime of profits, creating a new wave of addiction.”
Mulombo also said that the range of products the industry used to appeal to youths has expanded significantly, from cigarettes, cigarillos and shisha to newer products like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
He added that flavoured products and additives, sleek designs and child-friendly packaging and imagery, made addictive products even more appealing to youths.
“Companies rapidly launch new products that sidestep, or are not included, in current laws, and use every available means to expand their market share before regulations can catch up with them.
“Unfortunately, these tactics are working. Evidence from around the world shows an alarming uptake by children of some products, such as e-cigarettes.
“The tobacco industry is succeeding in its efforts to create a new generation of young people who smoke, vape, suck nicotine pouches or use snuff.”
On the situation in Nigeria, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that 4.5 million Nigerians 15 years and older are currently using tobacco products, of which, 3.1 million are smokers.
Pate added that “the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in 2008 across five states in Nigeria shows the prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years, ranging from 13.1 per cent to 23.3 per cent in Lagos State and Cross River.”
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, the minister said that the consequences of tobacco industry interference on children’s health are profound and far-reaching, leading to a host of adverse health outcomes.
They include respiratory ailments, cognitive impairment and increased susceptibility to addiction later in life.
Also, he said, exposure to secondhand smoke poses significant threat to children’s well-being, exacerbating the risk of respiratory infections, asthma and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
“Exposure to tobacco smoke also goes as far as exposing children in uterus, even before they are given birth to.
“Exposure of the mother to tobacco smoke can cause poor birth outcomes and affect lung, cardiovascular and brain development of the baby.
“This can also increase the risk of obesity, behavioural problems and cardiovascular disease later in life,” Pate added.
He, however, said that in combating the menace posed by tobacco, Nigeria made several giant strides such as signing and ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) treaty in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
He added that the ministry in collaboration with other line Ministries, Department and Agencies and other stakeholders developed the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015, and its implementing Regulations in 2019.
According to him, the act contains several provisions that provide protection of children, such as the ban on sale and purchase of tobacco and tobacco products by minors.
He added that the Tobacco Control Unit has concluded plans to establish Tobacco-Free Clubs in selected schools, and sensitise owners/managers of public places in one state each from the six geopolitical zones, with the collaboration of Management Sciences for Health.
The Chairman, Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that because children are being targeted by products known to be very harmful, “the nation must respond with very targeted laws and enforcement.
“We have the National Tobacco Control Act; we have the National Tobacco Regulation 2019. We are grateful to the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) on the regulation of smoking in movies.
“We want government to enforce those laws as a way of protecting our children. As at the time we were enacting the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, a lot has changed with the tobacco industry.
“They continue to mutate and come in various forms so it may be time for us to begin to engage on how to strengthen those laws.”
The Executive Secretary, NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said various efforts had been put in by regulatory bodies to sanitise and educate parents, guardians and the public about the ills of tobacco use.
Represented by Mrs Hasina Nasir, Husseini said the board realised that tobacco industries hide under the banner of entertainment to promote and advertise their products in all forms.
“Today, the film industry is facing an emergency that requires bold and ambitious actions from all of us as parents, guardians and stakeholders.
“Therefore, after series of engagements, the NFVCB decided to partner CAPPA to make a subsidiary legislation to control glamorisation of tobacco products in films, music videos and skits.
“The proposed legislation has been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for gazzetting,” he added.
The World No Tobacco Day is commemorated every year on May 31.
The 2024 theme is to raise awareness across the world and to call on the tobacco industry to stop targeting young people with products that are harmful to their health.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental standards by monitoring the operations of mining companies.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, with Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stated this when he received the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, in his office on Friday, May 31, 2024, in Abuja.
Alake said that the move was aimed at sanitising the sector and repositioning it to boost the economic profile of the country.
He disclosed that the federal government and Enugu have agreed to set up the state’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), to monitor mining companies’ compliance with environmental standards.
He said that the move would enhance the development of the mining sector in the state.
The MIREMCO is charged with overseeing the regulations of mining operations in a state.
This includes ensuring environmental standards to address land degradation, where minerals are extracted, and the sustainable and orderly development and management of mining resources.
The minister underscored the state’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy during the colonial era and highlighted its potential for renewed economic growth through the development of solid minerals.
“Now that we have our own independence of thought and action, Enugu is the way to go.
“We are collaborating with Enugu and other states to ensure that the benefits accruable from the solid minerals sector are available to all Nigerians,” he said.
On his part, Gov. Mba said that his administration was committed to harnessing Enugu’s vast mineral resources in partnership with the Federal Government.
Mba thanked the minister for his accelerated actions to set up MIREMCO, which was critical to addressing the menace of illegal mining.
“The minute the minister received my application on setting up MIREMCO, he immediately called the relevant officer and mandated him to ensure the process for the establishment of the committee is fast-tracked.
“We believe that with the setting up of MIREMCO in Enugu, we will be able to curb the activities of illegal miners and those racketeering licenses,” he said.
The minister recently held an interface with 32 governors to form a joint committee aimed at resolving mining issues, sanitising the sector, and attracting investors.
The move was part of the ministry’s efforts to seek the support of sub-national entities and engage them in ongoing efforts to reposition the sector.
Gov. Mbah’s visit was in furtherance of these engagements, aimed at creating a conducive environment for mining operations in the country to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
On the final day of the African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, May 31, 2024, the Bank’s civil society engagement held a session on Engaging Civil Society in shaping Africa’s transformation and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture. The session brought together various actors from Africa’s civil society organisations (CSOs), including youth and women.
Dr Augustine Njamnshi (right) emphasised the role of Africa in Transformation and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture
Dr. Augustine Njamnshi, Chair, Technical and Political affairs at Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), delivered remarks in which he shared priorities to be considered for Africa’s transformation and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture.
He reminded participants that collaboration with civil society strengthens transparency and accountability, fostering a culture of openness in project implementation and financial management. Civil society, he said, brings local expertise and on-the-ground insights, enriching the Bank’s understanding of nuanced challenges and facilitating the design of contextually relevant solutions. Collaborating with civil society builds trust and credibility for the Bank, showcasing a commitment to democratic values and participatory development processes, he noted.
Dr. Njamnshi stressed that the role of Africa in transformation is undeniable and unstoppable.
He said: “From the bustling markets of Lagos to the innovative tech hubs of Nairobi, Africa is on a trajectory of growth and advancement that cannot be derailed. As we champion economic development, we must ensure that this transformation is inclusive and benefits all, leaving no one behind.”
He mentioned that the global finance architecture is not just a desire but an imperative.
“The current system must evolve to better serve our unique needs and aspirations. We must advocate for financial structures that are fair, equitable, and responsive to the challenges and opportunities we face. Together, we can influence these reforms and create a financial environment conducive to sustainable development,” he emphasised.
He called for the reinforcement of cooperation through the new Civil Society Action Plan 2024-2028 that CSOs participated in the development.
“This plan is not just a document; it is a roadmap for action. We must move from commitments to tangible implementation, ensuring that our strategies translate into real-world impact. By working hand in hand, the Bank and civil society can harness our collective strengths to achieve our shared goals,” he said.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has outlined a bold strategy for climate change and sustainable development in the state.
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State
Mbah made the announcement on May 29, 2024, during his speech to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his administration.
According to him, the administration is well aware of climate change’s devastating impact on economic growth and livelihoods and was determined to tackle in line with his vision to reduce poverty and deliver people-focused governance in Enugu State.
He stated that Enugu State, under his leadership, recognises the critical need for a strong climate policy that would pave the way for a clean energy transition, ignite green innovation, strengthen climate resilience, and promote sustainable economic growth for the state, assuring a brighter, greener future for everybody.
To this end, he said his government was determined to draw from both domestic and international funds to implement ambitious climate policy. He announced that the government was already on the brink of securing grant from the African Climate Foundation and the European Climate Foundation to assist with the design of a science-based climate policy and action plan for the state.
“The climate policy and action plan will serve as a road map for a variety of exciting initiatives, including a major climate education and awareness programme, climate finance mobilisation, and a transformative clean cooking programme to protect our women from the health risks associated with open firewood cooking,” said the Governor.
Continuing, he stated that his administration was committed to “a grand tree planting exercise to rejuvenate our degraded ecosystems, sequester carbon, and beautify Enugu State, setting the stage for a vibrant and sustainable future.”
Mbah said that as part of his climate, urban redevelopment and greener city programme that his administration intends to restore the coal city to its former glory by planting countless trees and improving the state’s air quality, thereby limiting the impact of climate change.
The governor stated that the beauty, splendour, and orderliness seen in Western countries were not the result of wishful thinking, but of meticulous and painstaking planning and commitment, and that his government is prepared to change the narrative with its urban renewal and regeneration policies.
“It is amusing that we often nostalgically recall the good old days and fawn over the mind-blowing aesthetics of Western cities yet do little to promote orderly urban planning and instil the strong sense of civic obligation that prevailed in the good old days – or that exists in Western cities.
“The beauty and orderliness that we see in Western capitals and cities were not wished for. These qualities are based on meticulous planning, adherence to the law, and sacrifice.
“The Central Terminal and Enugu New City may appear to be long, difficult walk for some. But they will eventually result in smooth, graceful steps critical to Enugu’s rise to its rightful place among the world’s top cities,” the governor stated.
Mbah stated that Enugu New City was envisioned as Nigeria’s main investment destination.
“The Enugu New City, located on a corridor that connects the South-East, South-South, and North-Central areas, and just a 15-minute drive from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, heralds the advent of a new universe of opportunity.
“This lively, interconnected city powered by manufacturing, trade, and tourism would have facilities equivalent to those seen in world-class cities, ranging from amusement parks to industrial parks.
In line with his ambition for urban renewal, Gov. Mbah stated that his administration has already brought in sophisticated infrastructure to manage the state’s waste.
As the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, I am excited be working alongside the governor and helping to bring his vision for innovative and transformative governance to live in an area as critical and broad as climate change and sustainable development.
As a Professor of Climate Policy and Governance, I am aware that effective climate and sustainable development policies require long term thinking, boldness, innovation, and a consultative approach to governance, but these are qualities, which the governor possess in abundance.
One thing that excites me is that the government understand that climate change action is not just a burden that must be borne with gritted teeth, but also an opportunity to boost economic growth, create green jobs and increase the quality of live and environment in the state. It is this proactive and integrated approach of combining environmental sustainability with socioeconomic development that underscores Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership for Enugu State and sets him as an example for others to follow.
By Chukwumerije Okereke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development
Journalists from 20 African countries who participated in a web discussion on reporting children and tobacco addiction have been charged to improve the quality of their tobacco control reports as their contribution to protecting children from tobacco use and addiction.
Participants at the web discussion session on reporting children and tobacco addiction
The discussion, organised by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) in conjunction with Vital Voices for Africa (VVA) and Being Africa, brought together journalists from Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Togo, Cameroon and 14 other African countries in commemoration of the World No Tobacco Day 2024 themed “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”.
In his welcome words, Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, explained that research shows that about one third of youth experimentation with tobacco occurs because of tobacco industry marketing and tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship targeting them.
He stressed that, Worldwide, 78% of young people aged 13-15 years report regular exposure to some form of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, even as he added that recent research show that children as young as 10 are also getting inducted into smoking due to their exposure to the internet and other factors.
Executive Director of VVA, Caleb Ayong, also echoed this line in his intervention, pointing out that the youths account for the largest chunk of the 8 million people who die every year from tobacco-related causes.
Tobacco control advocate, Oluchi Joy Robert, in her intervention titled “The Tobacco Industry Addicts Children: Experiences from Nigeria”, pointed out that Nigeria, the world’s seventh most populous country, has been recognised by major transnational tobacco companies as a market with enormous income potential due to its large youth population and expanding GDP.
She explained that in Nigeria the tobacco corporations are all out to recruit more young lungs to replace a dying generation of old patrons and maintain a strong hold in terms of market share for their tobacco products. She revealed that children in Nigeria are exposed to flavoured products that are more attractive easier to access.
Prixina Phiri, communications specialist at the Zambian-based Centre for Primary Care Research, speaking on the Zambian experience, said that children access tobacco products from their schools and shopping malls.
She relayed that, children in Zambia, like many countries on the continent, have easy access to tobacco products including the e-cigarettes that are freely displayed in shopping malls and cigarettes displayed and sold in kiosks and near schools. She noted sadly that Zambia is yet to enact a tobacco control law to help protect children from the tobacco industry interference and other tactics of wooing young minds.
Speaking on the dearth of information on children smoking rates, Mohammed Maikudi, Nigeria Country Lead, DaYTA Programme of the Development Gateway, said that his organisation in collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, leads the DaYTA (Data on Youth Tobacco in Africa) programme, focusing on addressing critical data gaps related to adolescent tobacco use in Nigeria.
The initiative aims to gather comprehensive country-level data on tobacco use among young people aged 10 to 17, thereby filling critical evidence gaps and complementing existing data. The research consortium includes key national and regional stakeholders from various sectors including Ministries of Health; Tobacco control advocacy organisations; academic researchers, and representatives from youth member organisations, among others.
He explained that the DaYTA would fill critical evidence gaps and gather detailed and accurate data on tobacco use among adolescents aged 10 to 17 in Nigeria and provide robust data to government stakeholders and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions on tobacco control measures.
Founder, Being Africa, Achieng Otieno, who spoke on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and Children’s Rights, told participants that the WHO identified tobacco as the biggest threat to public health and is responsible for over 8 million preventable deaths worldwide. This conviction influenced the initiation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to help governments curb the global tobacco epidemic.
He said that the WHO FCTC presents a blueprint for governments to adopt effective tobacco control measures including protecting the present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco (and nicotine products) consumption and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.
On children, he noted that the Convention on the Rights of the Children explains who children are, all their rights, and the responsibilities of governments. According to the convention, all children’s rights are connected, are equally important, and cannot be taken away from children.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and children’s rights intersect in several crucial ways, primarily concerning protecting children from the harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco and nicotine products.
On the centrality of the media to the issues discussed by the earlier speakers, Caleb Ayong of VVA and Philip Jakpor of RDI emphasised that the media has the onerous task of keeping the tobacco industry in check and government officials on their toes.
Ayong, who made a presentation on “Youth Tobacco Use and SDGs”, asserted that 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would not be achieved as long as tobacco merchants are left unchecked.
His words: “While SDG 3 encourages universal health coverage, disease prevention, and mental health promotion, tobacco use directly contradicts these goals, causing diseases like cancer, heart ailments, and respiratory disorders. Tobacco infringes upon children’s basic rights to health and welfare and child labour in tobacco production persists in many parts of Africa.”
Jakpor, in his presentation on “Producing Captivating Reports on Youth Tobacco Smoking”, encouraged the media participants to go beyond armchair reporting and getting on the frontlines of the tobacco menace. He said that good stories come from tobacco farms, tobacco factories, entertainment centres, hospitals, schools, homes of victims and social media platforms, among others.
Jakpor also pointed the participants to credible sources for interviews. They include medical practitioners, teachers, children themselves, victims and their parents.
Documents, according to him, are also sources of information that tobacco corporations are always ready to hide. For this reason, he asked the journalists to go after annual reports, allies’ internal reports, news sources, newsletters, as well as reports from Annual General Meetings, and social media accounts – Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.
