By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Ekiti State Government in a major demonstration of commitment to public health and tobacco control has declared Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, a Smoke-Free city.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Media and Communication Officer, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Robert Egbe.
Speaking at an event to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD 2025), Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, warned residents on the dangers of tobacco use, advising them to inculcate healthy lifestyles.
The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, at the event organised in collaboration with CAPPA, described tobacco use as a major public health threat with far-reaching consequences.
He noted that this year’s WNTD theme— “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine”—challenges governments and communities to confront the deceptive strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly their aggressive targeting of young and vulnerable populations.
“One of the most concerning aspects of the industry’s strategy is the calculated targeting of youth.
“Through sleek packaging, flavoured products, and digital campaigns, they portray 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 deaths globally, responsible for millions of lives lost each year.”
Filani urged stakeholders to unmask the industry’s tactics by empowering communities with accurate information, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and supporting those on the path to quitting tobacco.
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