By Oluyemi Israel
A powerful youth movement is gaining momentum in Nigeria as students take a stand against tobacco use in schools and communities. Leading the charge is 16-year-old Blessing Obiabo from Lyngra Private Montessori School, who boldly declared:
“We are not fools. This is our future, and we’re taking it back!”
Her voice is part of a nationwide push led by the Cedars Refuge Foundation (CRF) through their campaign, Students Congress Against Tobacco (SCAT). The programme aims to stop the growing use of vapes and flavoured nicotine products among Nigerian teens.
CRF warns that the tobacco industry is targeting youth with colourful packaging, fruity flavours, and social media influencers — disguising addiction as fun.
“They’re not selling lifestyle. They’re selling addiction,” said CRF Director Peter Unekwu-Ojo.
SCAT is now active in schools across Nasarawa, Abuja, and other states, promoting student-led clubs, creative awareness campaigns, and teacher-parent engagement. Plans are in motion to reach 30 schools by 2025.
Parents, teachers, health experts, and policymakers are backing the movement. From marches in Kwara to health warnings in Katsina and Bauchi, voices are uniting for stronger tobacco laws and youth protection.
“If we don’t protect them now, we’ll be treating addiction later,” Unekwu-Ojo added.
This youth-led revolution is clear: Nigeria’s young people are choosing health over harm , and the country is listening.