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FG asked to enforce anti-smoking laws as WHO marks World No Tobacco Day

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), with a wake-up call to the Federal Government, (FG) to enforce Tobacco Laws in the Country.

May 31 is the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year’s theme is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference” highlighting how tobacco industries have continued to target young individuals.

The group tasked the government at all levels to embark on effective enforcement of both National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Regulation 2019.

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The World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), is a global campaign led by World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Millions of people die each year in Tobaco-related ailments.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2022, at least 37 million young people between 13 and 15 years use some form of tobacco globally.

Many youths are taking to new products by the industry that include electronic cigarette, Shisha among others.

According to Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA Executive Director said, “With growing evidence showing that the tobacco industry deliberately targets our youths, the Nigerian government must intensify efforts for diligent enforcement of the Tobacco Act, particularly sections that protect initiation and the health of young ones.

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“Those provisions in the Tobacco Act that are targeted at protecting the youth include the ban of tobacco advertisement sponsorship and promotion, ban on the sale of tobacco to, or by minors, and smoke-free public places, among others.

“Apart from those measures, there is also the need to raise tobacco taxes so they are priced beyond the reach of our children and the ban of the sale of tobacco products arounds schools and educational institutions.” He mentioned .

CAPPA commended the NFVCB for introducing the regulation on glamorization of smoking in Nigerian movies, saying the Board has taken a globally applauded step to block a major tool used by the tobacco industry to lure the youth into smoking.

“Our children should enjoy healthy screens. We applaud the censors board for this timely, public health-driven regulation which has also been commended by a great number of practitioners in the Nigerian movie industry and will be looking forwards to its effective enforcement, Oluwafemi further stated.

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Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.

The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.

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The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.

However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.

According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.

A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.

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Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.

The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.

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Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.

The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.

The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.

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Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.

The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.

PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.

In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”

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“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.

“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.

According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”

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Reps Congratulate Nigerians At Christmas, Advocate Unity, Love, Peace

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless message of hope, peace, and love associated with the season.

in a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he said “Christmas serves as a reminder of values that bind us together as a nation: compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. These virtues, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, are crucial not only for spiritual growth but also for promoting harmony and progress in our diverse society”.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, congratulated Christians on this special occasion, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, love, and peace, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of renewal and fulfillment, calling for a collective effort towards a national rebirth, especially in these challenging times. He encouraged prayers for a better Nigeria and support for the country’s leaders at all levels.

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Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the essence of Christmas as a time to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and selflessness embodied by Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to extend kindness and compassion to one another, particularly to those in need.

The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and prayed that the joy of Christmas would strengthen bonds of unity and love across the nation.

Wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a season filled with hope and happiness.

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