…Smoking banned in all public places
In a historic move to boost public health and save lives, Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti, on Friday declared itself smoke-free, meaning smoking is henceforth prohibited in all public places in the city.
Bosun Osaloni, Chairman, Ado-Ekiti Local Government, with the support of the Ekiti State Government and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), made the declaration in a ceremony in Ado-Ekiti to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2025.
“This year’s World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Tobacco Industry’s Tactics”, reminds us that the fight against tobacco is far from over. It is not just a fight against a dangerous product, but against an industry that has continuously reinvented its methods to profit from addiction, suffering, and misinformation, especially targeting our youth,” Osanloni said.
“To be clear, smoking kills! It causes life-long illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory problems. There is no benefit in tobacco consumption. This is why we must act together to protect our health, our children, and our communities from the devastating consequences of this lethal product.
“Today, Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area is happy to stand firmly on the side of public health, safety, and the right of every resident to breathe clean air.”
The council boss commended the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Ekiti State, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Ministry of Health and CAPPA for championing this important event, defending public health across the state and laying the groundwork for grassroots implementation through an initiative tagged Smoke-Free Cities.
The Smoke-Free Cities initiative is a global campaign that supports cities around the world to adopt policies that create smoke-free environments. It promotes the preservation of public spaces, protects non-smokers from second-hand smoke, increases tobacco taxes, and provides support for those seeking to quit. It is a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy that addresses tobacco use from multiple angles.
Osanloni added: “For us, a smoke-free environment is not just about affirming the right to life, it is about protecting the vulnerable, reducing the burden of disease, improving productivity, and ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more liveable society. And so today, on this Global Day of Tobacco Control, I am proud to make the following declaration:
“Ado-Ekiti, the Capital of Ekiti State, is officially declared a Smoke-Free City. With this declaration, we pledge to domesticate in Ado Ekiti Local Government Area, the existing Ekiti State Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law, 2012.
“Sensitise our communities on the dangers of tobacco and second-hand smoke, support the implementation and enforcement of the Ekiti State Smoke-Free initiatives across all wards, and protect our children, our workers, and our elders from the harms of tobacco.”
Corroborating him, the Health Commissioner emphasised the harmful effects of tobacco and its devastating impact on public health.
Dr. Filani said: “As the Honourable Commissioner for Health, I am proud to lead this effort to protect the health and well-being of our citizens.
“Today, we gather to mark World No Tobacco Day and address a critical issue that affects millions of people worldwide: tobacco use. A day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocating for stronger control measures to protect public health. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine,” challenges us to confront the manipulative strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry to maintain and expand their grip on consumers, particularly the youth and vulnerable populations.
“For decades, the tobacco industry has thrived on a simple but insidious tactic—appeal. They have masked the harsh realities of addiction and disease behind glossy advertisements, celebrity endorsements, flavoured products, and targeted marketing. Their goal is clear: to hook new users while retaining the loyalty of the addicted. One of the most concerning aspects of their strategy is the aggressive targeting of young people. Through sleek packaging, sweetened flavours, and social media campaigns, they paint tobacco and nicotine use as trendy and sophisticated. But behind this mask lies the grim truth: tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, responsible for millions of lives lost each year.”
On his part, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director described the declaration as a defining moment for Ekiti and Nigeria’s tobacco control journey and urged other cities to emulate same and implement smoke-free environments nationwide.
The CAPPA ED noted that with the declaration, Ado-Ekiti has joined a growing global movement of subnational governments and cities that are taking bold steps to reduce tobacco exposure and protect the right to breathe clean air.
Oluwafemi said: “This initiative reflects both local political will and a strategic alignment with global public health standards.
“By this gesture, Ekiti – famed for its leadership in the pursuit of knowledge – has once again taken the lead by becoming one of the first states in Nigeria to not only prohibit smoking in public places but also declare its state capital, a no-go area for the tobacco industry’s products of death and disease.
“This strategic move aligns with global best practices and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), to safeguard the health and well-being of Ekiti residents.
He noted that the emergence of vaping and other newer tobacco products in recent years has introduced fresh challenges, particularly among the youth.
Oluwafemi added: “These products are often marketed as safer alternatives, but they are neither safe nor an alternative to good health. On the contrary, the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices leads to nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, and potential long-term health consequences.
“The Smoke-Free Ekiti project is therefore a necessary counter to this trend. It will not only protect non-smokers from involuntary exposure but also shift social norms, reduce long-term health burdens, and foster a culture of wellness.
“CAPPA is proud to support this initiative technically and strategically. We are also excited to share that we are currently working closely with the Surulere Local Government Area in Lagos State and the Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area in Ekiti State to drive greater local implementation of the initiative.”
In his remarks, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services said the state was not only joining the rest of the world in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco, but also moving decisively to protect its people through a clear and coordinated public health intervention.
She thanked CAPPA for its advocacy and technical support saying they had been instrumental in moving the initiative from vision to reality.
Gbenga-Igotun added: “Today’s celebration also complements the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health, both at the federal and state level, to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and promote healthy lifestyles. Importantly, it affirms our state’s alignment with national and global tobacco control strategies, as outlined in the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act (2015) and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
