Business News
WHO says Tobacco lobbyists try to manipulate COVID-19 policy making
This is no good for tobacco manufacturers globally,WHO and health experts have started vigorous campaigns against tobacco and nicotine smoking
This appears not to be the best of times for tobacco manufacturers globally, including Nigeria; the World Health Organization (WHO) and health experts have started vigorous campaigns against tobacco and nicotine smoking, as the coronavirus outbreak persists globally.
The WHO, in its message shared via Twitter, disclosed that Tobacco lobbyists tried to manipulate the COVID-19 policy making.
According to the health organisation, they lobbied to get Tobacco shops listed as essentials.
But WHO insisted that smoking tobacco products is likely to increase the chances of contracting the coronavirus disease. The UN health agency pointed out the following as the dangers facing tobacco product smokers, especially in this period:
- Tobacco weakens the respiratory system thereby making you more vulnerable to the virus.
- Sharing tobacco products such as water pipes can transmit the virus between people.
- Bringing your hand with the tobacco to your mouth can transfer the virus into your body and lungs.
(READ MORE: Nigerians spend N334.3 billion to import foodstuffs, tobacco, others in 6-months )
Going further, the WHO explained that smoking damages the lungs and other parts of the body, making it more vulnerable to coronavirus infection. It also advised that this is the right time to quit smoking for safer and better health.
Tobacco lobbyists have tried to manipulate #COVID19 policymaking to get tobacco shops listed as 'essential' & offer free delivery of tobacco products to people in quarantine.
Smokers likely face more severe symptoms if infected, leading to hospitalizations & premature deaths. pic.twitter.com/pBL10oR1al
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 22, 2020
On their own, health experts have warned that tobacco product smokers with coronavirus disease are likely to suffer more serious conditions, which could lead to hospitalization and premature death.
READ ALSO: Global fight against COVID-19 suffers setback, as Trump suspends WHO funding
However, tobacco manufacturers are not taking it lightly, as they believe tobacco shops should be included among essential services.
To maintain relevance, they are offering their patrons incentives. For instance, they also offer free delivery of tobacco products to people in quarantine.
READ MORE: The health and economic implications of the Tobacco Control Bill
The effect of this on tobacco manufacturers in Nigeria, e.g., the British America Tobacco Nigeria Limited, appears uncertain as governments and various individuals are desperately looking for measures to help contain the novel disease.
However, this new WHO campaign against tobacco products smoking, coupled with the proposed National Tobacco Control Regulations bill, might have adverse effects on the tobacco business in Nigeria.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that the Coalition Alliance Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has so far incurred an expenditure of N43.27billion on the acquisition of, not only medical equipment and supplies but also food palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.
The recent press release noted that the funds raised by CACOVID was used to support 3 key priorities – Medical facilities and equipment, food relief programs and communications plans.
The breakdown of the expenditure in the aforementioned areas are:
- Medical Facilities and equipment: In collaboration with other stakeholders, CACOVID developed 39 fully equipped isolation centers across the 36 States of the Country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The sum of N4.19billion was spent in Building Isolation Centers. In addition, medical equipment such as PCR test kits for suspected cases of COVID-19 were procured along with other required medical items at a cost of N9.02billion.
- Food relief programs: As a way of cushioning the impact of the lockdown on vulnerable citizens, CACOVID provided palliatives in the form of essential food items to 1.7million households, which is equivalent to supporting 8 million Nigerians. A total of N28.76billion was spent procuring these food supplies.
- Communication plans: CACOVID also worked to improve awareness in rural communities on the COVID-19 virus, and the measures community health workers and other members of society should take when someone in the community is suspected of having symptoms similar to that of COVID-19. In lieu of this, expenses were incurred on Print, TV, radio, and social media as part of CACOVID communication plans.
Why this matters
The recent disclosure is in line with the principle of accountability and transparency, as the organization seeks to lay bare facts regarding expenditure incurred so far; thereby, nipping in the bud, suspicions and unfounded rumor.
What you should know
Due to the sudden global health challenge (COVID-19), which wreaked havoc on most economies of the world, coupled with declining oil prices and declined government revenue; the Bankers Committee, comprising the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Deposit Money Banks, as well as key stakeholders in the private sector came together to set up an alliance in March 2020, known as the Coalition Alliance Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
The ultimate objective is working with the government to provide support in areas that would result in improved health and welfare for vulnerable Nigerians.
Companies
PZ Cusson announces retirement of Chairman, Kola Jamodu
PZ has announced the retirement Chief Kola Jamodu as Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the company.
The Board of Directors of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc has announced the retirement of Chief Kola Jamodu as Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the company.
This disclosure was made in a notification signed by the Company’s Secretary, Jacqueline Ezeokwelume, and sent to the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
According to the notification issued by Mrs. Ezeokwelume, Chief Kola Jamodu will retire as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board effective 11 December 2020 to enable him to pursue other personal endeavours.
What you should know
Chief Jamodu joined PZ Cussons Group in 1974 and served in Executive positions for 24 years rising to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a position he held until he retired in 1999.
He thereafter continued as a Non-Executive Chairman of the Board until 2001 when he was appointed as the Honourable Minister of Industry of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he held until 2003.
He was reappointed as the Chairman of the Board of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc in November 2014.
Appointments
Abbey Mortgage Bank announces appointment of 6 Directors
The Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the appointment of 6 Directors of Abbey Mortgage Bank.
Abbey Mortgage Bank has announced the appointment of 6 Directors, including Mr. Madu Hamman as the substantive Managing Director.
The disclosure is contained in a notification, signed by the Bank’s Secretary, Geoff Amaghereon Esq. and sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange market today, as seen by Nairametrics.
What you should know
Five (5) other Directors were appointed by the CBN – 2 Executive and 3 Non-Executive Directors.
The names and portfolios of the Directors are; Mr. Mobolaji Adewumi – Executive Director; Mr. Oladipupo Ayodele Adeoye – Executive Director; Mr. Nonso Okpala – Non-Executive Director; Professor Marius N. Umego – Non-Executive Director; and Brigadier-General John Obasa (rtd) – Non-Executive Director.
The notice also mentioned that all appointments have been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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