(Left) Mr Henry Bassey Head Community Engagement Police Campaign against Cultist and Other Vices South West; Olajolo Akinloluwa and Adereti Mofiyinfoluwa winners of the UNA-NIGERIA World No Tobacco Day Debate competition, Ms Ojulari Olorunbe, a teacher from Wellspring College and UNA-Nigeria president, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, in Lagos.
The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has held a debate for secondary schools to address the rising spread of tobacco among students.
The event, organised to mark World No Tobacco Day 2025, took place in Lagos with the theme: ‘Empowering the Next Generation to Stand Against Tobacco.‘
President of UNA-Nigeria, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, said the initiative aims to educate young people on the dangers of tobacco and its broader societal impact.
Olutimo described tobacco use as a growing menace in schools and stressed the need for early intervention through awareness and advocacy.
The debate featured schools from Lagos State’s six education districts, along with participants from Ogun.
Finalists included Supreme Education Foundation, Ikeja High School, Wellspring College, and Peaceville International Academy.
Thirteen schools participated overall, with four eliminated after the quarter-finals. Nine advanced, and four reached the final stage.
Students debated topics such as social media influence and the need for anti-tobacco education at primary level.
Winners received plaque awards, six students earned medals, and all participating schools were issued certificates.
Olutimo praised the students’ depth of knowledge and their ability to communicate key tobacco-related concerns effectively.
He also noted the debate had expanded to Enugu State for the first time, reflecting growing national interest in the campaign.
On his part, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, in a keynote address, condemned the harm caused by tobacco and nicotine among youths.
Ayuba Umma, a Chief Superintendent of Police, criticised tobacco companies’ strategies, saying they target young users and disrupt families.
She called for more education on tobacco’s consequences and commended UNA-Nigeria for driving the initiative in schools.
Mr Henry Bassey of the Police Campaign Against Cultism urged students to speak up against tobacco in their schools.
NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Wali, represented by Assistant Commander, Mulikat Adunn, warned that violators would face legal action.
He encouraged schools to become advocates for a tobacco-free environment to protect students from addiction and its penalties.
Programme Coordinator, Mr Ephraim Ali, said the online debate format enabled wider school participation and boosted digital engagement.
The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) on Thursday organised a debate for secondary schools to educate students on tobacco’s health risks and its broader societal impact.
The association’s president, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, revealed this at the second edition of the UNA-Nigeria World No Tobacco Day 2025 Debate in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s theme is ‘Empowering the Next Generation to Stand Against Tobacco.’
Olutimo said the competition was essential, as tobacco smoking, which he labelled a menace, was spreading rapidly, even within schools.
Both public and private schools from Lagos State’s six education districts, alongside Ogun, participated in the competition.
NAN reports that four schools reached the finals: Supreme Education Foundation, Magodo; Ikeja High School, Ikeja.
L – to – R: Ekanem Adeleke, Advocacy Peace And Security Committee UNA-Nigeria; Guest keynote speaker, Emeritus SG, Engr Owolabi UNA-Nigeria, Dr. Ijeoma Nweke UNAN VP, Prof Oluremi Olutimo President UNAN, Pastor Deborah Tanmuno; UNA-NIGERIA Treasurer and Guest Judge, and Dr. Monica from Heart Aglow Foundation, UNA-Nigeria Guest judge at the event in Lagos.
Others included Wellspring College, Isheri Ikosi, and Peaceville International Academy, Redemption Camp, Ogun.
Olutimo praised all the schools, stating they demonstrated excellent research, presentation skills, and deep understanding of the topics.
He noted the debate is also ongoing in Enugu State — its first time outside Lagos — with objectives beyond banning tobacco promotion.
He said goals included preventing youth addiction, raising awareness, and fostering tobacco-free school environments to encourage healthy living.
The quarter-final topic is ‘Exposing the Lies, Protecting Lives: Uncovering the Seductive Nature of Tobacco and Nicotine Products.’
The semi-final addresses ‘Social Media is Making it Harder for Teens to Say NO to Tobacco.’
The final topic debated is ‘Should Anti-Tobacco Education Start at Primary Level?’ The last round was held physically.
Olutimo said 15 schools registered, but 13 actively participated in the competition.
At the quarter-final, 13 schools competed. Four were eliminated, nine moved to the semi-final, and four reached the final stage.
Three winning schools received plaque awards. Six students earned medals, and all schools got participation certificates.
Olutimo praised the students’ knowledge and their passion to raise tobacco awareness among their peers.
Delivering a keynote, AIG Adegoke Fayoade condemned the harm tobacco and nicotine had caused among youths.
Chief Superintendent Ayuba Tunni Umma stressed the need for more education on tobacco’s deadly consequences.
She criticised the strategies companies use to attract young users, which often disrupt families and homes.
She also commended UNA-Nigeria for leading the awareness initiative across secondary schools in Nigeria.
Mr Henry Bassey, Head of Community Engagement for Police Campaign Against Cultism, urged students to reject tobacco products.
He encouraged students to speak out if they noticed tobacco or nicotine products within school environments.
Mr Abubakar Wali, NDLEA Commander in Lagos State, warned against promoting tobacco among the youth.
Represented by Assistant Commander Mulikat Adunn, he said violators would face strict legal consequences. (NAN)