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Tobacco Industries Cost World 8 Million Lives, 600 Million Trees Annually – Official

Published

4 years ago

June 1, 2022

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the dangerous impacts of tobacco to society, saying more than eight million human lives, 600 million trees, 200,000 hectares of land, 22 billion tonnes of water and 80 million tonnes of Carbon dioxide (CO2), among others, are lost to tobacco industries annually.

The global body made the claim in a publication on Tuesday as part of activities to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day, which has been set aside by the organisation to sensitise the public on the danger inherent in tobacco, tobacco products and industries.

WHO, in the publication, also urged policymakers to consider banning cigarette filters, noting that they contain microplastics, which it said make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide.

It further explained that smoking is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. It said 70 out of 7,000 chemicals in tobacco cause cancer in humans and animals.

Tobacco harms the planet
In the latest WHO report, titled: “Tobacco: Poisoning Our Planet,” the global body said tobacco’s impact on the environment occurs at various stages, from growing and cultivation to the use and disposal of tobacco products.

The report states in part; “Each of these stages has negative implications for the environment, including the use of precious resources such as water and trees and the creation of pollutants through manufacturing.

“Production and consumption of tobacco also contribute to global warming, releasing 80 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the environment each year, the equivalent of driving 17 million gasoline-powered cars each year.

“Tobacco’s long history of negative health implications is well known, including the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers and respiratory illnesses, but what is less often discussed is the harmful effects it has on the health of our planet.”

It added that tobacco cultivation destroys forests, damages soil and depletes water supplies, while manufacturing contributes to the production of toxic waste.

Impact on farmer livelihood, health
WHO further noted that tobacco farmers and their families are exposed to several health risks.

It added that as many as 25 per cent of tobacco farmers are affected by green tobacco sickness, a disease caused by nicotine absorbed through the skin from the handling of tobacco leaves.

In addition to direct exposures, WHO said “tobacco farmers often bring harmful exposures back home on their bodies, clothes or shoes, leading to secondary harmful exposures for their families.”

“Children are particularly vulnerable, given their body weight relative to the proportion of nicotine absorbed through their skin.

“Pregnant women are disproportionally affected by the harmful effects of tobacco farming and face a higher risk of miscarriage,” WHO said.

On agrochemical use, WHO said tobacco growing requires heavy use of pesticides and fertilisers, which it noted contribute to soil degradation.

“Land used for growing tobacco then has a lower capacity for growing other crops, such as food, since tobacco depletes soil fertility,” it added.

Water depletion

WHO also revealed in the report that the depletion of precious water resources is another harmful consequence of tobacco production. It said its production requires up to eight times more water than tomatoes or potatoes.

It explained that every year, about 22 billion tonnes of water are used in tobacco production globally, which it said is the equivalent of 15 million olympic-sized swimming pools, or roughly the volume of water discharged by the Amazon.

“These water-use estimates are likely an underestimate,” it said, adding that; “A large proportion of tobacco product waste, which consists mostly of cigarette butts, finds its way into bodies of water and water sources.”

However, WHO said taking legal measures to reduce tobacco growing and helping farmers to move into the production of other foods, seems to be more efficient.

Call to action

The global health organisation, therefore, called on the general public to advocate a cleaner environment free of tobacco product waste to protect the ecosystem.

It said: “Encourage tobacco users to quit by educating them on the negative environmental impacts of tobacco

“Support policy action for a ban on single-use plastics, which include cigarette filters, smokeless tobacco pouches and disposable electronic nicotine delivery systems

“Raise awareness of the tobacco industry’s greenwashing tactics and support governments in introducing additional levies and taxes on industry to protect the environment.”

About World No Tobacco Day
WHO’s member-states had in 1987 set aside every May 31 “to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.”

The global health organisation said in 1987, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA40.38, calling for 7 April 1988 to be “a world no-smoking day.” In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on 31 May.

The theme for this year’s awareness campaign is; “Tobacco: Poisoning Our Planet”.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

1 hour ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

News

MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

14 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.