News
2027: Zabot APC Bloc Endorses Chun Ezekiel John, Offers to Purchase Nomination Forms
A political support group under the banner of Progressive Mind of Zabot Ward in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has thrown its weight behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John (CJ) ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The group publicly endorsed his ambition to represent Barkin Ladi-Riyom Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong show of commitment, the group also promised to purchase the APC nomination and expression of interest forms for the aspirant, describing him as a credible and capable leader with the vision to deliver quality representation to the people of the constituency.
Leading the group, Hon. Elder Dung Stephen Gwong said the Progressive Minds of Zabot Ward, made up of over 2,000 APC members across men, women, and youths, had carefully assessed all aspirants and found Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John best suited to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
He explained that the endorsement followed a thorough evaluation of the aspirant’s vision, competence, and readiness, especially after his recent stakeholders’ engagement in Zabot, where he clearly outlined plans for effective and people-centered representation.
Gwong noted that the group’s decision was driven by the need for quality leadership, stressing that Chun John possesses the capacity, experience, and grassroots connection required to deliver meaningful representation at the National Assembly.
As a demonstration of their commitment, he announced that the group would purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the aspirant, urging him to step forward and contest while assuring him of their full support.
Hon. Ayuba Hwere, a former Majority Leader of the Barkin Ladi Legislative Council, described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a grassroots leader who is always present and supportive, especially during times of insecurity, noting that his closeness to the people and consistent interventions make him fit to represent the constituency.
On behalf of the women, Mary Gyang, the Woman Leader, urged members of the ward to rally behind Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John, calling for unity in support of his ambition. She appealed to the aspirant to prioritize empowerment and security if elected, and prayed for God’s guidance and success in his political journey.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, Comr. Hwere David Ayuba described Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John as a resilient and impactful leader who has consistently empowered young people through various initiatives, noting that even without holding elective office, he has demonstrated strong leadership and capacity, making him a worthy choice to represent Barkin Ladi–Riyom Federal Constituency.
Responding, Hon. Pharm. Chun Ezekiel John expressed deep appreciation to the people of Zabot Ward, describing their endorsement and decision to purchase his nomination and expression of interest forms as a rare show of love and confidence in his vision.
He said the gesture came as a surprise, noting that the willingness of an entire ward to take such responsibility reflects their belief in his capacity to deliver and their commitment to the movement.
The aspirant assured the group that he would not take their support for granted, pledging to justify the trust reposed in him if given the opportunity to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.
He further emphasized that the growing endorsements from different wards signal that the time is right for a new direction, adding that he is ready to step forward and serve the people with dedication and purpose.
A new analysis by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that tobacco-leaf production in Africa increased by almost nine per cent between 2012 and 2024, despite a nearly 19 per cent decline in global production.
The increase, according to the findings, is raising concerns about the health risks faced by tobacco farmers and workers, as well as the wider environmental and social consequences of tobacco cultivation.
Africa produced more than 639,000 tonnes of tobacco leaf in 2024, representing about 11 per cent of global tobacco-leaf production, the analysis noted.
The findings showed that tobacco production is highly concentrated in five countries: Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda.
East Africa alone accounts for nearly 90 per cent of tobacco-leaf production on the continent.
Health risks
Vinayak Prasad, head of the Tobacco Free Initiative at WHO, said tobacco farming exposes workers and their families to serious health risks, while also damaging the environment and potentially trapping farmers in cycles of debt.
Mr Prasad said the issue extends beyond tobacco control and should also be viewed through the lens of health, trade, development and environmental sustainability.
“This is not just a tobacco-control issue. It is a health, trade, development and environmental issue,” he said.
The analysis identified green tobacco sickness as one of the direct health risks faced by tobacco farmers.
The condition occurs when nicotine from wet tobacco leaves is absorbed through the skin during handling.
Farmers and other workers may also be exposed to pesticides and tobacco dust during cultivation and processing, the report noted.
Beyond direct exposure, tobacco farming also consumes large amounts of land, water and other natural resources that could otherwise support food production and sustainable livelihoods.
The practice is also associated with soil degradation, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions from the curing of tobacco leaves.
Children at risk
WHO also raised concerns about children from poor households being involved in tobacco farming.
According to the organisation, children in some low and middle-income countries miss school to work on tobacco farms and supplement their family income.
The report said this could further expose children to the health and social risks associated with tobacco cultivation while affecting their education.
Tobacco’s economic burden
The health concerns come alongside an increase in Africa’s cigarette imports.
According to the analysis, the continent’s cigarette import bill more than doubled between 2012 and 2024, rising from $833 million to $1.77 billion.
The findings also challenged the argument that tobacco is economically indispensable to most countries.
Tobacco-leaf exports account for more than one per cent of gross domestic product in only a small number of economies, including Malawi and Zimbabwe.
For most countries, the economic contribution of tobacco production and trade is limited, while the health, social and environmental costs remain substantial, WHO said.
Mr Prasad said countries needed support to move away from economic dependence on tobacco and provide alternative livelihoods for farmers and workers.
“Countries need support to move away from economic dependence on a product that harms health, farmers and the environment,” he said.
He said the findings showed why trade and development policies needed to be aligned with public health and sustainable development goals.
READ ALSO: FG begins nationwide distribution of ambulances to strengthen emergency care
Alternative livelihoods
Under Articles 17 and 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, countries are encouraged to promote economically viable alternatives for tobacco workers and growers.
The provisions also call on countries to protect the environment and human health from the effects of tobacco cultivation.
WHO called for stronger support for countries seeking to diversify away from tobacco production, protect farming communities and strengthen tobacco-control policies.
The organisation also urged countries to reduce the economic burden associated with tobacco use and trade.
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