Nigeria News (Standard)
Public Health Group Warns Tobacco Firms Still Targeting Nigerian Youths Despite Ban
Advocates urge stronger enforcement as industry tactics persist in Lagos and Abuja years after tobacco control laws
Advocates urge stronger enforcement as industry tactics persist in Lagos and Abuja years after tobacco control laws
A leading public health advocacy group has raised alarm over continued efforts by tobacco companies to market their products to young people in Nigeria, despite the existence of tobacco control laws. The warning was issued on Wednesday in Lagos, where campaigners said that tobacco firms were still using subtle marketing techniques to attract underage consumers.
The group observed that, although Nigeria enacted the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015 and subsequent regulations aimed at protecting minors, tobacco companies have adapted their strategies to evade detection. These tactics reportedly include point-of-sale displays near schools, promotional events disguised as social gatherings, and distribution of branded merchandise targeting youths in urban centres like Lagos and Abuja.
The issue is of growing concern as Nigeria faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases linked to tobacco use among its youthful population. Experts note that more than half of Nigerians are under the age of 30, making the country a prime target for global tobacco firms seeking new markets. Advocates warn that failure to curb these activities could undermine years of progress in reducing smoking rates and related health complications.
Speaking on the matter, the public health group called on federal and state authorities to intensify enforcement of existing laws and close loopholes exploited by the industry. “There is an urgent need for government agencies like the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC to increase monitoring around schools and youth events,” a spokesperson said during a press briefing. The group also urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to remain vigilant against marketing ploys directed at young people.
With Nigeria’s youth population projected to grow further in coming years, stakeholders say robust action is needed now to prevent a new generation from falling victim to tobacco addiction. The group plans further engagements with policymakers and civil society partners to push for stricter penalties against violators and enhanced public awareness campaigns.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Ambassador Places Nigeria on Watch List Over Humanitarian Concerns in Abuja
Mary Leonard cites worsening humanitarian situation as reason; Federal Government yet to issue formal response
Mary Leonard cites worsening humanitarian situation as reason; Federal Government yet to issue formal response
The United States has placed Nigeria on its watch list due to the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the country, according to the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Leonard. Leonard made this known in Abuja on Tuesday while explaining Washington’s recent decision regarding Nigeria’s status.
According to Leonard, the action was taken after careful consideration of the humanitarian issues affecting communities across several states. She noted that the watch list designation is aimed at drawing attention to the severity of the situation and encouraging collaborative efforts between both countries. The ambassador did not specify particular states or incidents but stressed that the US is concerned about deteriorating conditions.
The move comes amid growing reports of displacement and hardship in areas affected by insecurity and economic hardship. Several local and international agencies have highlighted increasing food insecurity, displacement, and access challenges faced by citizens, especially in the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones. These issues have continued to attract global attention as humanitarian needs rise.
While addressing reporters, Leonard explained that “the United States takes its commitment to human rights and humanitarian support seriously.” She said placing Nigeria on the watch list should be seen as a call for renewed partnership in addressing root causes. The Federal Government had yet to release an official statement responding to the US action as at press time.
It remains unclear if this designation will trigger new sanctions or alter existing bilateral programmes between Abuja and Washington. However, diplomatic observers expect further dialogue between Nigerian authorities and US officials in coming weeks to clarify next steps and discuss possible support measures for affected communities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
INMA CEO Urges Lagos Media Houses to Strengthen Brand Identity Amid AI Surge
Earl Wilkinson warns Nigerian publishers on risk of ‘swamp of sameness’ as AI-generated news content rises
Earl Wilkinson warns Nigerian publishers on risk of ‘swamp of sameness’ as AI-generated news content rises
The Chief Executive Officer of the International News Media Association, Earl Wilkinson, has advised media organisations in Lagos to prioritise building trust and a distinct brand identity to survive the growing influence of artificial intelligence in newsrooms. Wilkinson made this call during a courtesy visit to PUNCH Place along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday, where he delivered a presentation on the future of journalism in the AI era.
Wilkinson, accompanied by Doreen Mbaya, Africa Division Manager of INMA, emphasised that media outfits must focus less on mere audience reach and more on establishing clear editorial identities and direct relationships with their readers. He said, “It’s now about the relationship. To build a relationship, you have to be a brand that people remember. You must have consistency and an emotional connection. Do people trust you? You have to figure out who you are. The decade ahead belongs to those who are unmistakably themselves.”
He explained that as artificial intelligence becomes more common in content production globally, news organisations risk losing their uniqueness if they rely too heavily on similar tools and automated systems. According to him, “AI is rising, and we are sinking into a swamp of sameness. Our objective is to differentiate, differentiate, differentiate from that swamp of sameness.”
Wilkinson also pointed out that for Nigerian publishers to thrive financially in this environment, they must invest in data infrastructure and understand readers’ preferences deeply. He noted that while digital subscriptions and paywalls may become more necessary for sustainability, many Nigerians are yet to fully embrace paid online news models. “If you don’t know your people, if you don’t know who your readers are, you’re going to struggle,” Wilkinson added.
He further highlighted that the battle for audience trust and credibility remains as intense in Nigeria as it is in Western countries. With the rapid growth of AI-generated content making it harder for individual outlets to stand out, Wilkinson urged local publishers to double down on original reporting and editorial credibility going forward.
Source: https://punchng.com/ai-era-media-survival-depends-on-trust-identity-inma-ceo/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kano Youths Burn Obi, Kwankwaso Posters as NDC Faces Resistance in North-West
Arewa Consultative Forum says party remains largely unknown; elite, voters question credibility of political alliances
Arewa Consultative Forum says party remains largely unknown; elite, voters question credibility of political alliances
The presidential bid of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his running mate, ex-Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, is encountering serious opposition from political stakeholders and voters across the North-West region, especially in Kano State. On Tuesday, angry youths in Ungogo Local Government Area reportedly set fire to campaign posters of both candidates amid rising discontent with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Findings indicate that northern leaders have begun warning their supporters against backing the NDC, with some WhatsApp messages circulating in the region labelling Obi and Kwankwaso as ‘haram’ or forbidden. The development comes as some politicians who recently joined the NDC have already decamped back to their former parties. Notably, Kano State House of Assembly member Muhammad Tomas, who left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for NDC, has now returned to APC.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, told journalists on Saturday that NDC lacks visibility among northern voters and remains largely unknown at grassroots level. He noted that while Obi and Kwankwaso attract media attention nationally, their actual support base in the North is now uncertain. “There is even doubt about whether Kwankwaso can still hold on to Kano, where he recorded his most impressive performance in the last election. Apart from Kano, his influence in many parts of the North remains uncertain,” Muhammad-Baba said.
He further explained that frequent movement of politicians across parties has created confusion among voters, while many are now sceptical about alliances between former rivals. “The average northerner is tired of being told that having a northern candidate or a Muslim-Muslim ticket is the solution to Nigeria’s problems. People are becoming more careful because previous expectations have not produced the desired results,” he added.
With rising scrutiny of opposition leaders’ records and shifting alliances, political observers say northern elites and ordinary voters alike are increasingly cautious ahead of 2027. The situation presents a major hurdle for Obi and Kwankwaso as they seek broader acceptance for their joint ticket within key constituencies in the North.
Source: https://punchng.com/2027-obi-kwankwaso-bid-faces-northern-resistance/
Jessica Bieni Leads Female Yellow Greens to 52-Run Victory as Nigeria Outclass Malawi in Kwibuka 2026 Opener
Alex Iwobi Joins Super Eagles Centurions as He Hits 100 Caps in Portugal Friendly
Osimhen Shuts Down Transfer Rumours as Galatasaray President Declares: ‘He’s Not Leaving Istanbul’
AFN VP Aku Aghazu Unveils N1.6m Reward to Fire Up Athletes for Lagos Commonwealth Games Trials
Anthony Joshua Fires Warning Shot at Prenga Ahead July 25 Saudi Showdown
John Terry Says Super Eagles’ World Cup Miss Is a Blow as DR Congo Edge Nigeria in Dramatic Qualifier
Chioma Moses Nets Four as Edo Queens Smash Abia Angels 6–2 in Port Harcourt NWFL Super Six
Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament Set for Lagos Return as Top Talents Eye Glory
Lagos Teachers Get Olympic Training Boost as NSSF, NOC Empower 150 with Sports Values
Celtic Boss O’Neill Faces Big Call on Iheanacho’s Future After Title-Winning Season
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Borno State Records 74 Deaths as Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities
Kaduna Organisers Hand Over Polo Charity Event to Pupils for Children’s Day Celebration
House of Representatives Sets Thursday Vote on State Police Proposal
