Department of Youth Ministry, SBAK, Nito Mount, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, GoN, organised a 75th Jubilee Rally and awareness programme on substance abuse on September 21. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | September 21
The Department of Youth Ministry, Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakalu (SBAK), Nito Mount, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, GoN, organised a 75th Jubilee Rally and awareness programme on substance abuse, including drugs and tobacco, under the theme ‘Joyful Harvest’ based on Psalm 126:5, on September 21.
The three-day relay, scheduled from September 21 to 23 is organised as part of the 75th Jubilee celebration of the SBAK Youth Ministry. Angu Riders Zunheboto also joined the initiative, while “Swachhata Hi Seva” under PHED Zunheboto was associated as a partner.
The official flag-off programme was held at the SBAK Nito Mount Mission Centre, where Sumi Kukami Hoho President Hetoho S Zhimomi flagged off the Jubilee Rally.
Speaking on the occasion, Zhimomi said the present generation was gradually losing traditional customary values and practices and called for their revival. He expressed hope that the event would be fruitful for the Sumi community and encourage younger generations to follow the good practices of the past. “Let us respect one another and love one another,” he said.
Suhuto N Chishi, Youth Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) also spoke during the rally and emphasised about the sale of alcohol and tobacco products around educational institutions in Zunheboto town whhich needs to be checked and monitored. He called for collective efforts to bring positive change in the town.
The relay proceeded from the SBAK Nito Mount Mission Centre to the Centenary Gate, where a short programme was held. It then proceeded to Saptiqa Town Baptist Church, followed by Kilomi Old Baptist Church and Satakha Town, before continuing towards Satoi. Kihika G Sumi, Convenor of the 75th Jubilee Department of Youth Ministry, SBAK Nito Mount, while speaking to the media said the Jubilee Relay was being organised to celebrate 75 years of God’s faithfulness and to spread the love of God.
He said the relay aimed to bring young people together and promote unity and togetherness in the spirit of God. He described it not merely as a relay, but as a joyful procession of faith, celebrating the past, rejoicing in the present and looking towards the future.
Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary for Social Concerns, NBCC, appreciated the initiative and the coming together of civil society organisations, students’ unions, churches and the government for the awareness programme.
Naleo said the Jubilee theme of wellness, well-being and health and dignity was closely connected with tobacco-awareness initiatives. He expressed hope that the message would continue to reach other places and influence individuals and communities.
Hokito Jakhalu, retired BDO (RD) and SBAK Council Member from Kohima, also joined the relay as the oldest rider. Sharing his experience, Jakhalu said he had been associated with the SBAK Youth Department since 1996 and had served as an executive member and recorder for two terms.
At 63, he participated in the relay on his Royal Enfield and encouraged both young people and elders to take part in such initiatives with enthusiasm.
Dr I Simon Sumi, Deputy Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, highlighted the seriousness of tobacco use in the state.
According to the data cited by Dr Sumi, 43.3% of adults in Nagaland use tobacco in some form, compared with the national average of 28.6%, based on the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2. He also cited Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4 data indicating that 43% of school-going children aged 13–15 in Nagaland use tobacco.
He further highlighted the health consequences of tobacco use, including oral cancer, heart attacks, strokes and severe lung diseases, and noted the particular concern over smokeless tobacco use in the Northeast.
Dr Sumi said Tobacco Cessation Centres have been established in district hospitals and at CIHSR to provide counselling and Nicotine Replacement Therapy. He encouraged churches and youth ministries to create safe spaces for health awareness and peer support.
He also informed that the National Tobacco Quitline, 1800-11-2356, provides free counselling support for people seeking to quit tobacco.
The Jubilee Rally will continue through September 23, carrying messages of faith, unity, health and awareness on substance abuse across different areas.
The three-day Jubilee Rally will begin from SBAK Mission Centre on September 21 and pass through Zunheboto, Saptiqa, Satakha and Satoi before reaching Tsütha River for the first night camp; on September 22, it will proceed through Seyochung, Aghunato and Asuto to the second night camp at Tizu River, and on September 23 continue through Suruhoto, Atoizu, Akuluto/VK and Mokokchung before concluding at Lumami, Nagaland University.
