As part of its sustained commitment to educate children about the dangers and risks of tobacco and nicotine consumption, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-Nigeria) has continued to build momentum with its ongoing nationwide debate competition for secondary schools, currently taking place in Enugu.
Speaking during the second edition of the UNA-Nigeria World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025 Debate Competition held recently in Lagos, the association’s President, Professor Oluremi Olutimo, explained that this year’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation to Stand Against Tobacco,” reflects the core objective of the initiative. According to him, UNA-Nigeria launched the competition to raise awareness and curb what he described as a growing menace that is spreading rapidly across society— with schools increasingly vulnerable.
Professor Olutimo noted that the competition draws participation from both public and private secondary schools across the six education districts of Lagos and Ogun States. The Lagos edition saw four schools emerge as finalists: Supreme Education Foundation Schools, Magodo; Ikeja High School, Ikeja; Wellspring College, Isheri-Ikosi; and Peaceville International Academy, Redemption Camp, Ogun State. According to him, all the participating schools demonstrated exceptional performance, marked by thorough research, polished presentation skills, and a deep understanding of the topic — highlighting how relevant the issue is to today’s youth.
Encouraged by the success of the initiative, UNA-Nigeria has now expanded the competition beyond Lagos for the first time, with the ongoing edition in Enugu State. Professor Olutimo stressed that the broader aim of the initiative is not limited to advocating for bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, but more crucially, to educate young people about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products.
“This is especially targeted at youths, raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products, and encouraging prevention through education, particularly in schools,” he said. The initiative also seeks to prevent the next generation from falling into addiction, to promote tobacco-free environments — especially in schools — and to foster healthier lifestyles. In doing so, it aims to protect non-smokers and empower young people to make informed choices that contribute to a healthier society.
