Professor Christiana O. Ukoli, chairperson National Tobacco Control Committee (NTCC) recently sat for a fireside chat with #SMSG Club where the moderator Essien Sampson a Digital Marketing Strategist engaged her on a discussion about Social Media and Tobacco Control.
The NTCC chairperson briefly briefly introduced herself as Prof. Christiana O. Ukoli currently working in the University of Jos Nigeria and the University Teaching Hospital as a Consultant Physician specialized in Respiratory Medicine. Was made National Tobacco Control Committee 2 years ago.
Prof. Christiana O. Ukoli described Tobacco as a plant from which products like cigarette, snuff are made of which basically contains Nicotine which is the addictive part and other Carcinogenic substances that are injurious to the health.
Speaking in the chat, Prof. faulted the incessant consumption of Tobacco on the lack of adequate education and awareness on the health hazards that comes with the consumption of Tobacco in our communities. Further speaking, she called on the Government, Religious bodies, Media Oulets and the general public to play their respective roles in other to aid the the control of Tobacco Consumption.
As a withdrawal method for those finding it hard to quit smoking, she hinted administering of Nicotine Gums or Nicotine Patches which would aid kill the urge for smoking cigarette. To further help control Tobacco consumption, she hinted on the government increase in Tobacco product increased taxation which would in turn increase the price of a pack of cigarette which would not be easily affordable for regular us. As Nigeria one of the countries where tobacco is being sold at one of the cheapest rates.
Prof. Ukoli also advocated for the use of social media platforms as a tool for the government and the public to use to sensitize the public on why Tobacco consumption is very bad for our health and that of our unborn uprisings. She advice that as a country we should control the consumption of Tobacco among us and also desist from passively advertising its use by uploading pictures and airing videos that portray Tobacco us as that can go a long way in convincing someone to try it out.
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