Ado-Ekiti Declared Nigeria’s First Smoke-Free City on World No Tobacco Day

Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, has officially been declared a smoke-free city, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s public health efforts. This declaration was made on Friday, May 30, 2025, during a ceremony commemorating World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Tobacco Industry’s Tactics.”

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ekiti State Government and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). It aims to protect citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products by prohibiting smoking in all public places, including schools, motor parks, and offices. Ado-Ekiti Local Government has pledged to enforce this policy through a local by-law that aligns with the Ekiti State Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law of 2012.

Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, emphasized the need for stronger regulations to combat the tobacco industry’s manipulative strategies, particularly targeting the youth. He highlighted that tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death worldwide. The state government is committed to raising awareness, strengthening regulations, and supporting cessation programs to reduce tobacco-related diseases.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, commended the declaration, describing it as a defining moment for Ekiti State and Nigeria’s tobacco control journey. He noted that Ado-Ekiti’s move aligns with global best practices and the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework, which includes measures to protect people from tobacco smoke and enforce bans on tobacco advertising.

Ado-Ekiti Local Government Chairman, Bosun Osaloni, expressed the council’s commitment to enforcing the smoking ban and raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. He emphasized the importance of protecting the health of residents, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of smoking.

This bold step by Ado-Ekiti sets a precedent for other cities in Nigeria to follow, aiming to create healthier environments free from the dangers of tobacco use.