UNILORIN Professor Reveals Alarming Smoking Statistics
In a recent revelation by Professor Gabriel Omotoso from the University of Ilorin, it has been disclosed that approximately one out of every ten Nigerians engages in daily tobacco smoking. This disclosure was made during his presentation at the university's 259th Inaugural Lecture, shedding light on the concerning prevalence of tobacco use in the country.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
A recent report by Prof. Gabriel Omotoso from the University of Ilorin revealed that approximately one in every ten Nigerians engages in daily tobacco smoking. This revelation came during his presentation at the university's 259th Inaugural Lecture, titled "White Matter Matters in the Search for Phytochemical Candidates for Demyenilating Disorders."
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According to Prof. Omotoso, citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global estimate of tobacco users stands at a staggering 1.25 billion people. Additionally, tobacco-related issues account for over eight million deaths annually, with 1.3 million of these fatalities attributed to non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
Despite extensive health education campaigns on the severe consequences of smoking, many individuals continue to be ensnared by the habit. Prof. Omotoso emphasized the detrimental impact of tobacco use on various organs, including adverse effects on male reproductive fertility and liver function.
In light of these alarming statistics, Prof. Omotoso called upon the Nigerian government to enforce stringent tobacco production laws to safeguard youths from industry manipulation and deter them from tobacco and nicotine consumption.
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May 31 is observed globally as World No Tobacco Day, with this year's theme focusing on "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference." This campaign aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and highlight the importance of shielding children from the influence of the tobacco industry.
It is imperative for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritize efforts to curb tobacco use and protect public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents.
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