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Deji Adeyanju Alleges EFCC Labelled VDM A Bandit

May 4, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Deji Adeyanju, Counsel to Martin Vincent Otse, popular as VeryDarkMan, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has labelled his client a bandit.

VDM was arrested in controversial circumstances by the EFCC Operatives at a branch of the Guaranteed Trust Bank Plc in Abuja when he and a friend of his accompanied his mother to find out why the bank was deducting money from her account as loan repayment when she had never taken any loan from the bank.

The initial story was that the bank detained VDM within its Security door until the EFCC arrived and arrested him. But a CCTV recording of the arrest released by the bank showed that the arrest was made outside the bank, at the parking lot.

However, in a statement released late Saturday, Adeyanju claimed that his client was not only physically manhandled by Operatives of the EFCC but was Labeled a “bandit”.

The statement posted on Adeyanju’s official X page titled “Preliminary Statement on the Arrest of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse (aka Very Dark Black Man) and Mr. Steven Avuara (aka C-Pack) by Officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission“, reads:

“The incident occurred on May 2, 2025, shortly after Mr. Otse, his mother, Mrs. Blessing Otse, and Mr. Avuara visited Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Garki, Area 3, Abuja, to inquire about “the incessant deductions from Mrs. Otse’s bank account.

“After completing their inquiry, the trio attempted to exit the bank but were “locked in the bank’s security door for over five minutes.”

“Upon stepping outside, they were reportedly “accosted at gunpoint, a few metres outside the bank’s premises, beaten and blindfolded by some armed men wearing black uniforms.”

During the arrest, the officers labelled them as ‘bandits’ and threatened to shoot them in the presence of Mrs. Otse.

“Upon learning of the incident, my colleagues, Marvin Omorogbe and Steven Eze, visited the EFCC headquarters where they confirmed that both Otse and Avuara were being detained by officers attached to the Commission’s Special Duty Committee (SDC) Unit 4.”

“While they were denied access to VeryDarkMan — who “declined to see anybody” — they were able to speak with Avuara, who provided an account of the events.

“Efforts to determine the basis for Avuara’s detention were unsuccessful.

“The EFCC officers reportedly refused to disclose the allegations against him. Instead, they presented an arrest warrant against Otse, allegedly, issued by “His Worship, Njideka Iloanya-Duru (Mrs), Chief Magistrate II, Wuse Zone 2, on the allegation of cyber stalking.

“Despite repeated requests, the officers attempted to interrogate Avuara without clarifying any charges against him. The lawyers eventually exited the interrogation room, refusing to be part of a process that they considered a violation of Avuara’s ‘constitutional right to be informed of the allegations against him.’

“While we continue to interface with the EFCC on this issue, we call on the Commission to respect our clients’ constitutionally guaranteed rights.”

Recall that VDM had, just a few days ago, called out the EFCC over its arrest of E-Money for alleged Naira abuse. While urging the EFCC to, immediately, release E-Money, VDM attributed his arrest to his being Igbo. Otherwise, he argued, why arrest him when the two sons of Chief Okaya (of the Eleganza fame) who publicly abused the Naira, were not arrested, and have been free since then? For the records, E-Money has been released after interrogation by the Commission.

VeryDarkMan: Peter Obi Condemns Manner Of Arrest, Urges Lawful Conduct

The Source

May 4, 2025

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing it as a troubling reflection of the nation’s current disregard for due process and civil liberties.

In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr. Obi condemned the manner in which the arrest was carried out, noting that although security agencies may operate within the law, their methods must remain civil, transparent, and lawful.

“The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled,” he said. “The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction – a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.”

Mr. Obi warned that such actions erode public trust in the security system and endanger national security. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability,” he added.

Citing a disturbing trend, Obi recalled similar violations in recent years, including the treatment of members of the judiciary. “Even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law,” he stated.

The former governor also linked the arrest to wider economic implications. He referenced the backlash against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which some Nigerians have allegedly connected to Mr. Otse’s arrest, noting that such controversies can undermine confidence in financial institutions and further discourage investment.

“At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community,” Obi said.

He questioned whether a civil and lawful invitation could not have sufficed in addressing the matter involving Mr. Otse, suggesting that such a route would have spared the country embarrassment and economic fallout.

Obi also raised concerns over reports alleging the controversial adoption of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), warning of a growing trend of coercion and suppression of youth voices.

“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize,” he warned.

Mr. Obi concluded with a call for a national recommitment to the principles of justice, human dignity, and institutional integrity. “We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly,” he said.

“Don’t Push Us Into Exposing Why You Were Removed From Office” – Kano Govt. To Ex-SSG

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The Kano State Government has warned its former Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi, not to push it into making public why he was removed from office.

The Government was reacting to Bichi’s strong allegations of corruption against it. In a statement, Bichi, who Nigerians were told, left office as the SSG over health-related issues accused the State Government of massive corruption. Comparing the level of alleged corruption during the immediate past APC Government of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje that of the current Administration, Bichi said Ganduje’s Administration was a Saint.

Said Bichi: “All that we alleged Ganduje did wrong during his eight years, this government has done ten times over in just two years.

“We only suspected Ganduje, but for this one, we have evidence. They have committed ten times as much in less than two years.

But in reaction to Bichi’s allegation, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, dismissed it as politically motivated, unfounded, and an attempt to mislead the public.

He said: “We find his claims not only unfortunate but deeply misleading.

“This administration is committed to transparency, accountability, and service delivery. Comparing it to the previous government is unjust and a disservice to the people of Kano State.

“If he (Bichi) truly has proof of corruption, we challenge him to present it publicly. Empty accusations will not derail the progress of this administration.”

Trying to clarify, exactly, why Bichi was removed from office, the Commissioner said:

“We deliberately concealed the actual reason for his removal from office and stated it was due to health concerns out of respect for him. But let it be known that his sack wasn’t purely for health reasons.

“Given the nature of his recent outburst, I strongly advise him to seek appropriate medical assistance. His health should be his primary concern now.”

Fubara To Wike: “Your Submission On Disruption Of First Lady’s Programme Is Patently False”

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2025

L-R; Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has described the allegation made against him by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over the disruption of an empowerment programme of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu as patently false.

Mrs Tinubu, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, asked the wife of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Mrs Theresa Ibas, to represent her at the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme which she champions. It was the turn of Rivers State women, about 500 of them, to benefit from the programme.

However, the event turned awry when, on arrival, Mrs Tinubu was not present but was, instead, represented by Mrs Ibas. Disappointed, the women, most of whom have not been happy over the State of Emergency declared in the State by President Bola Tinubu since March 18, 2025, protested Mrs Ibas’ representation of First Lady Senator Tinubu.

When Mrs Ibas stood up to speak, most of them stood up in protest and insisted they have been short-changed. They said they were expecting Nigeria’s First Lady, not the wife of the Sole Administrator. In the absence of Mrs Tinubu, they said they expected Mrs Valerie Fubara. So, they staged a walk out, chanting “We want Sim. Bring back Sim. We expected Mrs Tinubu, not Mrs Ibas. Bring back Sim.”

However, Wike, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory who has been engaged in a political tug-of-war with his estranged political godson, Fubara, quickly put the blame on the suspended Governor. He alleged in a statement in which he apologised to Mrs Tinubu, that the women who protested and staged a walk-out were sponsored by Fubara. He alleged that it was Fubara who sponsored them to disrupt the programme.

In response, Fubara, in a statement said Wike’s allegations are further from the truth. He described them as patently false and wondered how he could have sabotaged a programme which he not only actively supported, but funded. “To insinuate that I would sabotage a programme I actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false”, the Governor fumed in a statement put out on his behalf by Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, Rivers State Coordinator of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Rivers State, released on Saturday. Titled:

Re: Misleading Statements from the FCT Minister’s Media Office , it reads:

“The attention of the Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has been drawn to a regrettable and misleading statement issued by the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which unjustly attempts to drag the name of the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, into an unfortunate narrative surrounding the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored such political mischief, but it is important to set the record straight for the benefit of the public.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and remains deeply committed to its vision and objectives.

“Despite being on vacation, the Governor ensured full support —logistical and otherwise — for the success of the recent empowerment programme organised under the esteemed leadership of the First Lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“The event was progressing successfully, with the women of Rivers State expressing overwhelming appreciation for the initiative, until a disruption occurred when Mrs Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator, was making a speech. At that point, the women in attendance vocally opposed her participation, stating clearly that they did not recognise her as their First Lady and would prefer not to be addressed by her.

“To insinuate that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false. Such claims by Mr Lere Olayinka are deeply misleading and appear to be a calculated attempt to politicise a well-meaning, non-partisan event.

“The Rivers State RHI Office finds it unfortunate that certain individuals, rather than appreciating the Governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives, would instead resort to propaganda for narrow political gain. Rivers women are known for their dignity and unity beyond political affiliations, and it is only when external political actors attempt to impose their will that tensions arise.

“The RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme in Rivers State was a resounding success. All stakeholders, including the women beneficiaries, were pleased with the organisation and outcome of the event. The only disruption occurred during the speech by the wife of the Rivers State Administrator — an issue which has nothing to do with the Governor or the RHI Office.

“We, therefore, urge the public to disregard the unsubstantiated statements made by Mr Olayinka. His comments are not only baseless but betray a lack of understanding of the values and dynamics of Rivers State.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for his unwavering support and commitment to the success of this programme and to the empowerment of the women of Rivers State”.

No doubt, this renewed spat between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike is likely to worsen the already dicey situation in the State, and dusrupt the peace, no matter how fragile, being worked out between Fubara and Wike.

Nigerian Activist Arrested Over Solidarity With Burkina Faso’s Leader

Adesina Soyooye

May 4, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

For planning a rally in support of Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Military Leader of Burkina Faso, an Edo State based Marxist activist, Kola Edokpayi has been arrested, allegedly, by the Department of State Services, DSS. He was arrested alongside a couple of others.

It is not known why Edokpayi, acclaimed Leader of Talakawa Parliament, was arrested over the planned solidarity rally, or why the rally was even planned. But in recent weeks, Traore, the Revolutionary Leader of Burkina Faso, has attracted more than a passing interest in Nigeria, especially, among youths. The fear in not a few places is that he is suddenly becoming a poster boy of leadership in Nigeria. Anything and everything he does or says is being celebrated in Nigeria’s Social Media circles, especially.

Given his radicalism, and the manner he rose to power – through a coup d’etat which overthrew a democratically elected Government, his role in the exit of two other West African Countries – Mali and Niger – from the West Africa’s Regional body, Economic Community of West African Countries, ECOWAS, and his stark antagonism towards France, Burkina Faso’s erstwhile Colonial Masters, his popularity in Nigeria, especially, amongst youths, not a few people are uncomfortable that he is fast becoming a poster boy in Nigeria.

Edokpayi and colleagues did not say exactly why they planned to stage the proposed Pan-African solidarity rally for Traore, but he was picked up, allegedly, by the DSS on May 3, 2025, in Benin, Edo State.

His arrest, however, has triggered anger among rights groups, civil society actors, and pan-Africanists.

They have described it “as a blatant act of political repression and an assault on fundamental rights.”

According to SaharaReporters which quoted a source close to Edokpayi, he was arrested just when he decided to call off the rally after an audience with the Edo State Commissioner of Police.

Said the report:

“He ( Edokpayi) made arrangements for a solidarity rally. The Commissioner of Police called him a day before the rally and held a meeting with him to call it off. He complied and dispatched people to cancel the protest. But DSS and police operatives later stormed his office, broke in, and arrested about six people. Four were released, but they detained him and one other member.”

According to the organisers, the rally, continental in nature, was aimed at mobilising support for Captain Traore’s strong and defiant stand against “French neo colonial influence in West Africa.”

The rally was also planned to hold in other African Countries like Ghana and South Africa.

In a statement in condemnation of Edokpayi’s arrest, the Edo State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) demanded his immediate release.

The statement reads in part:

“Comrade Edokpayi was arrested for expressing solidarity with the government of Burkina Faso led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. This blatant act of political repression is not only unlawful but a direct attack on the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.

“He has consistently mobilised the masses under the platform of the Talakawa Parliament, a grassroots movement that champions the rights of ordinary Nigerians against elite exploitation.

“The arrest is legally indefensible and morally reprehensible. Nigerian Security Agencies are weaponising the State against dissenting voices.”

The statement signed by Hafiz Lawal, the Edo State Coordinator of TIB also reminded that:

“Freedom of thought, expression, and association are guaranteed under Sections 38, 39, and 40 of the 1999 Constitution. His show of support for Captain Ibrahim Traoré does not in any way justify his arrest.”

Another trending statement online, put out by another pan-Africanist reads: “Arresting Marxist Kola Edokpayi for a proposed solidarity walk in support of Ibrahim Traoré is totally uncalled for. Pan-Africanism shouldn’t be killed; it’s supposed to be encouraged by all African countries and leaders. I remember Gaddafi, a true Pan-Africanist, who was betrayed by fellow Africans used by Western powers. Kola has done nothing wrong for standing for Africa. He must be released.”

Neither the DSS which, allegedly, carried out the arrest, nor the Edo State Police Command, has issued any statement on Edokpayi’s arrest.

Political Figures Trying To Divide Adamawa Along Religious Lines – Govt Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 3, 2025

Ahmadu Fintiri - Governor of Adamawa State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Adamawa State Government on Saturday May 3, 2025, strongly rejected allegations of gender and religious bias being leveled against Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

The Source reports that the opposition camp in the State had strongly condemned the Governor for his alleged reluctance to swear-in Mrs Peace Samson Audu, a Christian, and Vice Chairman of the Fufore Local Council, whose elected chairman Hon Shaibu Babas passed on April 23, 2025.

The opposition alleged that the Governor’s failure to swear-in the Vice Chairman to officially take over the affairs of the Council stemmed from his religious and gender bias against Christians and women.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr Edgar Amos described the allegations as not only spurious, but utterly misleading.

He maintained that the allegations are the handiwork of unscrupulous characters who are motivated only by their selfish political ends and driven by the desire to divide Adamawa state along religious lines.

According to Dr Amos, the allegations are simply orchestrated campaigns targeted at smearing the reputation of the Governor who he insisted has strived since mounting the saddle to carry everybody along irrespective of religious persuasion ,and gender.

He emphasized that the issue of the swearing-in of Mrs Peace to take over from her late boss, a Muslim, has been blown out of proportion, noting that the constitution has already empowered her to immediately take control.

” Mrs Peace Audu is already acting as Chairman of Fufore LGA, with all the powers and responsibilities of the office.

There is no vacuum in leadership, and there is no discrimination in play. There is no constitutional time frame for a formal swearing-in ceremony”, Amos noted

Furthermore, the Chief of Staff insisted that the Governor has, since coming on board, maintained a model of inclusivity, and balance, among all the religious faith in the state.

Apart from himself a Christian as the Chief of Staff ,Dr Amos pointed out that the Deputy Governor is a woman and a Christian as well as several other Christian officials.

“Governor Fintiri has always prioritized unity, appointing people based on competence and merit, not religion. ethnicity or gender.

“He supported both Christian-Christian and Muslim-Muslim tickets during the Local Government election,where appropriate.

“The Fufore case where a Christian woman was paired with a Muslim man reflects that balance.

“Unfortunately, the same people who once accused the Governor of being too pro-Christian are now calling him a bigot.

“These contradictions expose their real intentions: mischief and political provocation”, Dr Amos stated.

While reminding the people alleging religious discrimination that Christian and female Chairpersons had once served in Fufore Council, Amos called on the people to resist desperate attempts by some “morally bankrupt elements to mislead them or divide the State along religious lines.

Military Battles ISWAP For Territorial Control In Yobe State

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 3, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army Headquarters on Saturday, May, 3, 2025, announced an ongoing fierce confrontation between troops of the Operation HADIN KAI ,and terrorist elements belonging to Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP.

A statement posted on its official site, informed that troops and ISWAP fighters are locked in a grueling firefight for the control of Buni Gari area of Yobe State, North East region of the Country.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, are currently in a fierce battle against ISWAP attack at Buni Gari Yobe State”, the terse statement noted.

The Source reports that Borno and Yobe states have been the epicentres of insurgency, mostly undertaken by ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters in the North East zone.

The two extremist-groups were behind the invasion and occupation of a large portion of territories in the two States, between 2010 and 2019, a development that led to the declaration of a State of emergency in the two States and Adamawa in 2013 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, their activities were relatively curtailed between 2019 and 2023 leading to the return of normalcy,with many displaced persons beginning to resettle.

But the two States, especially Borno, have, of recent, come under intense attacks, with terrorists targeting military formations and the newly settlement areas.

The orgy of killings and destruction trailing the attacks forced the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, to raise concerns about the reoccupation of the States by insurgents.

Women Who Walked Out On First Lady Are Fubara’s Loyalists – Wike

Ayodele Oni

May 3, 2025

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said those women that walked out on the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu in Rivers state on Friday were loyalists to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He condemned the walkout on the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, by a group of women loyal describing it as an embarrassment to the people of Rivers State.

The Minister, who apologized to the First Lady and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on behalf of the people of Rivers State, said “insult on anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria in an event is a direct insult on the office of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as a leader in Rivers State, I apologize.”

Some women, led by some sacked Local Government Vice Chairmen had staged a walkout during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme organised by the office of the First Lady of Nigeria, held at the EUI Event Centre in GRA, Port Harcourt, on Friday.

The programme was meant to benefit 500 women in the state with various empowerment items.

According to a statement on Saturday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who is in China for official engagements, described the incident as “very disturbing and embarrassing,” cautioning supporters of the suspended governor to desist from ridiculing the State.

The Minister counselled the suspended governor to demonstrate honesty by being bold enough to tell President Tinubu, what exactly he wanted, rather than saying something today, and doing another thing tomorrow.

He said; “It is not enough to be visiting people to plead for peace, those who genuinely want peace work and act for it.

“These are the same people pleading for peace, but at the same time doing things that are contrary to what they are pleading for.

“How can you say you want peace and at the same time, you are sponsoring people to insult everyone, including the President and his wife?

“All those shenanigans won’t bring peace, and I am sure they know that, because they are not sincere with their up and down pleadings for peace.

“As for me and those who subscribe to my leadership, we condemn in totality that yesterday’s show of shame and we apologize to our First Lady for the embarrassing conduct of those few women who do not represent the characters and ideals of the people of Rivers State.”

Kano Govt To Prosecute Owners Of Sealed Warehouses

Ayodele Oni

May 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Government is to prosecute owners of two warehouses in the Sabon Gari area of Fage Local Government Area for an alleged violation of environmental regulations

Already, the affected warehouses, where some chemicals perceived to be injurious to human health are being stored, have been sealed.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Saturday in Kano.

According to the statement, the ministry sealed the facilities located along Airport Road by France Road, near No. 2 Court at Gyadi-Gyadi.

The warehouses, according to the statement, were reportedly being used for storing insecticides and fumigation chemicals, which emitted offensive odours, causing discomfort to residents and passersby.

The Director, Pollution Control in the ministry, Malam Ibrahim Nasir, who led the operation, said the ministry acted on complaints from members of the community.

“We received reports from residents about the strong and disturbing odour coming from the facility. Our environmental officers conducted an inspection and confirmed the allegations.

“An abatement notice was issued to the warehouse operators to stop the activity and relocate, but they failed to comply.”

He added that the ministry had no choice, but to seal the premises and initiate legal action.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, said that government was committed to enforcing environmental laws and protecting public health.

“Storing hazardous materials in residential areas is a serious violation and a threat to public safety, hence not going to condone any action that endangers the lives and wellbeing of our citizens.”

He urged residents to continue reporting environmental violations to the appropriate authorities for timely intervention.

The commissioner reiterated its commitment to safe guarding the environment, mitigating health hazards, and promoting a greener and healthier Kano.

Nigeria Records 28,876 Deaths From Tobacco Smoking Annually – Workshop

Ayodele Oni

May 3, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Participants at a workshop in Bauchi have suggested that a well-administered tax can lead to the desired result of reducing consumption of tobacco and its crippling health consequences.

The Senior Programme Officer of CISLAC, Mr. Solomon Adoga, stated this at training workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on tobacco taxation and gender mainstreaming in Bauchi.

The workshop was organised by CISLAC with support from Tax Justice Network-Africa (TJNA.)

According to him, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, adding that more than 7 million of those deaths are as a result of direct tobacco use, while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second hand smoke.

He pointed out that smoking has been found to harm nearly every organ in the body and reduces a person’s overall health, stressing that 1.8 billion smokers live in low and middle income countries.

“Tobacco is a plant also known as Nicotiana Tobacum which naturally contains 2,500 chemicals, one of them being nicotine.

“When the tobacco plant is ripe, leaves are harvested, dried, fermented and aged. Every time you smoke, dangerous toxins are passed through your lungs then to your bloodstream in your body.

“Smoking tobacco causes exposure to a lethal mixture of more than 7,000 toxic chemicals including at least 70 known carcinogens that can damage nearly every organ system in the human body.

“More than 25,000 children (10 -14 years old) and 7,488,000 young adults (15+years old) continue to use tobacco each day.

“More than 7,086,300 men smoke each day, more than 402,600 women smoke cigarettes each day, 1,965,000 people currently use smokeless tobacco while Nigeria records 28,876 Tobacco smoking related deaths annually.

“Tobacco is a major risk factor for numerous cancers, particularly lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and cervix.

“It significantly contributes to the burden of cancer in Nigeria. Beyond that, it also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions such as emphysema, and bronchitis.

“Tobacco affects reproductive health by impairing fertility in both men and women and increasing risks during pregnancy and childbirth.”

In his remarks, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, represented by the Senior Finance Officer, Muhammed Murtala, said that the objective of the training was to strengthen advocacy efforts in reducing the smoking of Tobacco in the society.

He added that the fight against tobacco consumption requires a collaborative efforts, urging the stakeholders at the training to build their capacities in order to become change agents in the society,

Murtala stressed on the need for public health interventions, policy reforms, and increased awareness campaigns to curb the tobacco epidemic in Nigeria.

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