Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State

The Nigerian Medical Association, Rivers State Branch, ably led by *Dr(Prof) Ureh Oparaodu* on behalf of the SOC and SEC joins the World Health Organization and the global medical community today, 31st May 2026, to commemorate *World No To***co Day* under the theme: “*Protecting Health, Promoting Life*.”

To***co use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives annually from cancers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory illness.

In Nigeria, the burden is real and growing, and Rivers State is not exempt.

As physicians and health advocates, we have a duty to speak plainly: to***co kills. No form of to***co, ci******es, smokeless to***co, sh**ha, or e-ci******es is safe. Every puff erodes health; every habit entrenched today becomes a life cut short tomorrow.

We call on every resident of Rivers State, young and old to:

✅ Refuse to***co in all its forms

✅ Support loved ones seeking to quit

✅ Demand smoke-free spaces in our communities

✅ Hold industries accountable for targeting our youth

To those already on the journey to quit, you are not alone. Seek help. Talk to your doctor. Your health is worth fighting for.

*A smoke-free generation is a healthy generation*.

Dr Siene Orogun
PRO
NMA Rivers
31:05:2026