Maria David
ISAAC Pondo Nailenge has successfully quit smoking after more than twenty years, recognizing that his habit had gotten out of hand.
Now that Nailenge has given up smoking, he is enjoying the benefits and takes pride in setting a good example for children.
In addition, he has started developing programs for school-age boys and girls and still finds time to coach basketball.
Nailenge shared his journey during the World No Tobacco Day commemoration in Oshakati.
The event is being held under the theme: “We want food, not tobacco.”
According to the World Health Organization, the tobacco epidemic is one of the largest public health threats, causing over 8 million deaths annually, including approximately 1.2 million deaths from second-hand smoke exposure.
“I made a firm decision not to take even a single puff, and gradually, the cravings subsided,” he said.
Nailenge mentioned that he has been smoke-free for five years and continues to warn others about the health and life risks associated with smoking.
Chief Ndilimani Herman Iipumbu of the Uukwambi Traditional Authority expressed concern about the impact of smoking, which has affected many individuals and destroyed families.
Chief Iipumbu highlighted that smoking has resulted in broken families, neglected children, and unaddressed household needs.
“People spend their savings on buying cigarettes instead of contributing to their homes,” he remarked.
He urged the public to take control of their lives and prioritize addressing food security over smoking.
As a demonstration of advocating for the “We want food, not tobacco” theme, Chief Iipumbu presented food parcels to three youths during the commemoration.
