News
FG to ban Shisha
Federal Ministry of Health on Monday disclosed that it was working with major stakeholders to ban flavored tobacco, including `Shisha’ to proctect children from getting enticed with the product across the country.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, stated this while briefing newsmen in commemoration of 2018 World No Tobacco Day on Monday.
Adewole noted that tobacco, whether Shisha, cigar or cigarette, was harmful to the health, stressing that the ministry was working with key stakeholders toward an eventual ban of the product in the country.
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He added that people import tobacco under a different brand called `Shisha’, saying that flavored tobacco was not acceptable in Nigeria.
Corroborating the position of the minister, the Director-General of Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Mr Babatunde Irukera, informed that Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was in charge of creating industrial standard of products in Nigeria.
Irukera further said that SON Technical Committee in respect of tobacco standard in the country placed Shisha in the class of any tobacco product, hence, it was not an illegal product now.
He disclosed that the ministry had developed a work plan on some provisions of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act which stakeholders could immediately implement before the approval of the NTC Regulations.
He explained that the work plan had outlined education, enforcement and monitoring for compliance, including the ban on sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below 18 years of age, among others
The minister said the 2018 World No Tobacco Day has “Tobacco and Heart Disease” as its theme and the slogan is “Tobacco Breaks the Heart – Choose Health, Not Tobacco”.
He maintained that the theme and slogan highlighted the link between the use of tobacco products and heart and other cardiovascular diseases.
He said the theme called for increased awareness on the impact of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke on cardiovascular health.
The 2018 World No Tobacco Day therefore provides Nigeria the opportunity to make commitments to promote heart health by protecting people against the use of tobacco products.
Country Representative of World Health Organisation, Dr Wondi Alemu, said the 2018 World No Tobacco Day focused on raising awareness on the link between tobacco and cardiovascular diseases.
Alemu, who was represented by Dr Rex Mpazanje, said tobacco and cardiovascular diseases were the world leading causes of death.
“Tobacco use is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases after high blood pressure, with up to half of all tobacco users dying prematurely from tobacco related causes,’’ he said.
The country representative urged Federal Government to expedite action toward the passage of the regulation to enforce the National Tobacco Act 2015 and enforcement of some provisions of the Act.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
As Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the message of Easter to strengthen national unity, renew their hope, and rise above the challenges facing the nation.
In a statement on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists, the lawmaker noted that Easter symbolises the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and renewal over decay—virtues he described as urgently needed in today’s Nigeria.
He urged citizens to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and commit to a shared vision of progress and peace.
“Easter reminds us that no situation is beyond redemption. Just as Christ conquered death and rose again, so too can our nation overcome its present trials—if only we act with faith, courage, and a common purpose,” Oseni said.
Acknowledging the economic and security challenges facing the country, he stressed the importance of collective resilience and unity among citizens. The lawmaker noted that while efforts are being made to address these issues—with signs of improvement—it is essential for Nigerians to continue supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its drive for national recovery and progress.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” he said. “We must resist the temptation to be divided by ethnic, religious, or political differences. Easter calls us to a higher sense of responsibility—to forgive, to heal, and to build together.”
Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, and national transformation through quality infrastructure and people-centered legislation. He promised to continue using his position to advocate for policies that improve the welfare of his constituents and all Nigerians.
The APC chieftain further urged Christians to go beyond the rituals of Easter and live out its message in their daily interactions. “This season should inspire us all to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better leaders in whatever space we occupy.”
The lawmaker concluded his message with prayers for peace, stability, and renewed hope across the country, saying, “May this Easter mark a turning point in our collective story as a nation. May Nigeria rise, like Christ, into a new dawn of greatness.”
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18 April and Monday, 21 April 2025 as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations across the country.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“Announcing this on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion,” the statement read.
The Minister emphasised the significance of Easter, urging Christians to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, love, and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the redemption of humanity.
Dr Tunji-Ojo also encouraged Nigerians to use the holiday period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and stability in the country. He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving national growth and development.
In his message, the Minister called on citizens to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, embodying the spirit of Easter.
He concluded by wishing Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.
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