The Ekiti State government, in collaboration with the Ado Local Government and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), launched a significant public health initiative aimed at curbing tobacco use and promoting a healthier environment, particularly for the youth. The initiative culminated in the declaration of Ado Ekiti, the state capital, as a “smoke-free city.” This declaration signifies a commitment to enforcing existing state laws prohibiting smoking in public places and implementing comprehensive strategies to discourage tobacco consumption. The event, marking World Tobacco Day 2025, highlighted the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry and emphasized the need for community empowerment through accurate information and strengthened regulations.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Oyebanji Filani, underscored the gravity of tobacco use as a leading cause of preventable deaths globally. He expressed concern over the industry’s manipulative marketing strategies targeting vulnerable youth through attractive packaging, flavored products, and pervasive social media campaigns. These tactics often mask the severe health consequences associated with tobacco addiction, leading to widespread misinformation and hindering effective regulation. Filani advocated for robust public awareness campaigns to counter the industry’s deceptive narratives, providing communities with accurate information about the dangers of tobacco. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening regulatory frameworks to close existing loopholes and support individuals seeking to quit tobacco use.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government, Bosun Osaloni, solidified the commitment to a smoke-free environment by pledging to domesticate and enforce the state’s existing anti-smoking laws within the local government area. He outlined a multi-pronged approach involving community sensitization on the hazards of tobacco use, including secondhand smoke, and the implementation of smoke-free initiatives across all wards. Osaloni stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, such as children, workers, and the elderly, from the harmful effects of tobacco exposure. He called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to disseminate this crucial message throughout homes, schools, and communities. This commitment marks a significant step towards prioritizing public health over corporate profits and establishing clean air as a fundamental right.
The declaration of Ado Ekiti as a smoke-free city aligns with a global movement advocating for healthier environments and stricter tobacco control measures. CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, lauded the state government, local government, and involved stakeholders, including religious leaders and transporters, for their commitment to this initiative. Oluwafemi highlighted the significance of joining a global network of subnational governments and cities actively working to reduce tobacco exposure and protect the right to clean air, drawing parallels with the World Health Organization’s endorsement of smoke-free policies as an effective public health strategy.
Oluwafemi emphasized the documented success of smoke-free policies worldwide in saving lives, reducing healthcare costs, and transforming societal attitudes towards tobacco use. These policies encompass a range of interventions, including monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies, shielding individuals from secondhand smoke, providing support for quitting tobacco, and raising public awareness about the dangers of tobacco. The collective efforts of Ekiti State, Ado Local Government, and CAPPA represent a significant stride towards a tobacco-free future, prioritizing public health and setting a positive example for other communities to follow.
The collaborative approach adopted by Ekiti State, involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders, demonstrates a comprehensive strategy for tackling the multifaceted challenges of tobacco control. By combining legislative action, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement, this initiative seeks to create a sustainable and impactful change in societal attitudes and behaviors towards tobacco use. The commitment to protect vulnerable populations, especially youth, from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry, is paramount in ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. The declaration of Ado Ekiti as a smoke-free city serves as a powerful symbol of this commitment and a catalyst for broader change across the state and beyond.
