Ekiti Government Bans Tobacco Smoking in Private and Public Places.

The Ekiti State Government has announced a sweeping ban on tobacco smoking in both private and public places within Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. This new policy was unveiled on Friday during the flag-off of World No Tobacco Day 2025, organized in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) under the theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Tobacco Industry’s Tactics”.

Dr. Filani Oyebanji, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, explained that the Ekiti tobacco ban is a proactive move to protect residents’ health and reduce diseases linked to tobacco use. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, Dr. Oyebanji highlighted that tobacco use contributes greatly to social problems and health challenges, especially among young people. He called for stronger regulations, more awareness, and effective support for those trying to quit smoking.

“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, flavored products, and targeted marketing… One of the most concerning aspects of their strategy is the aggressive targeting of young people. Through sleek packaging, sweetened flavors, 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,” Dr. Oyebanji said.

The ban, which will soon be extended to other local government areas, is part of a broader campaign to “unmask” the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics and protect future generations. The government and CAPPA emphasized that the tobacco industry continues to target youth with flavored products and social media campaigns, while also pushing alternative nicotine products like vapes and e-cigarettes, which carry their own health risks.

Oluwafemi Akinbode, Executive Director of CAPPA, praised the Ekiti tobacco ban as a sign of strong political will and alignment with global public health standards. He said the ‘Smoke-Free Ekiti Project’ is vital for protecting non-smokers from secondhand smoke, changing social norms around tobacco, and reducing the state’s long-term healthcare burden.

The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Bosun Osaloni, pledged full support for the enforcement of the new regulations, including penalties for violators. He stressed the importance of collective action, stating, “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”.

Ekiti’s ban builds on existing laws, such as the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law of 2012, which already restricts smoking in enclosed spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and other public areas, with fines and possible jail terms for offenders. The new campaign aims to close loopholes, intensify public education, and make Ado-Ekiti—and eventually the entire state—a model for smoke-free communities in Nigeria.

Conclusion:
The Ekiti tobacco ban marks a major step forward in public health for the state. By targeting both private and public spaces, and focusing on youth protection and industry accountability, Ekiti is setting a strong example for other states in Nigeria. With continued awareness, strict enforcement, and community support, the government hopes to create a healthier, tobacco-free future for all residents.

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