World Tobacco Day: Ekiti Declares Zero Tolerance for Smoking in Public
Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ekiti State governor …As stakeholders call for stronger action against menace
The Ekiti State Government has declared zero tolerance for smoking in public across the state due to the threat it poses to public health. This declaration came as stakeholders in the health sector, religious organisations, security agencies, and civil society groups called for stronger tobacco control measures in Ekiti State, warning that tobacco use remains a great threat to the people.
The event, titled “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” was organised by the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). It took place in Ado Ekiti to commemorate the 2026 World Tobacco Day.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Sola Gbenga-Igotun, described tobacco as a major public health concern, noting that it kills up to half of its users. She urged residents to begin anti-smoking advocacy from their homes and communities, stressing that smoking affects both health and social well-being. She added that young people remain particularly vulnerable, making sustained awareness campaigns necessary to protect future generations.
Also speaking, Dr. Olakunmi Alabi noted that smoking is no longer limited to men, as increasing numbers of women and young people are becoming involved through traditional cigarettes and emerging products such as vapes. He said the health sector would continue to intensify public enlightenment against tobacco use while calling for greater collaboration among religious institutions, schools, security agencies, and community leaders. He however added that complete eradication would remain difficult as long as tobacco products continue to be manufactured and sold.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Sunday Omoya of the Ministry of Environment pledged support for the enforcement of smoke-free laws across the state. He said smokers not only endanger themselves but also expose non-smokers to harmful health risks through passive smoking.
Representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Chief Imam, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps also condemned tobacco use, urging government and stakeholders to sustain awareness and promote smoke-free public spaces.
Delivering a presentation titled “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, Mrs. Zikora Ibeh, warned that tobacco companies are increasingly targeting young people through flavoured products, vapes, and nicotine pouches. She noted that many of the new products are marketed as fashionable and harmless despite evidence showing that they are highly addictive and dangerous to health. She urged Ekiti State to strengthen its tobacco control framework to address both traditional tobacco products and emerging nicotine devices.
Participants at the engagement, including youth advocates and community representatives, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and grassroots groups to combat tobacco use. They called for increased youth engagement, stricter enforcement of existing regulations, and continuous public education.
The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abayomi Ibrahim, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting residents from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
