By Emmanuel Kwada
The Ekiti State Government has announced a comprehensive ban on tobacco smoking in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti, as part of efforts to promote public health and create a cleaner, safer environment for residents. The new regulation, effective immediately, prohibits smoking in public places, including streets, markets, parks, and other communal areas within the city.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Dr. Filani stated that the ban aims to curb the health risks associated with tobacco use and second-hand smoke, which have been linked to numerous respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“This administration is committed to improving the well-being of our people. Tobacco smoking poses a significant threat to public health, and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked in our capital city,” Dr. Filani said. “This ban is a proactive step to protect residents, especially non-smokers, from the harmful effects of tobacco exposure.”
This ban is a proactive step to protect residents, especially non-smokers, from the harmful effects of tobacco exposure
The new law stipulates that smoking is prohibited in all public spaces in Ado-Ekiti, including government buildings, schools, hospitals, public transportation, and recreational areas. Violators will face fines and other penalties, with enforcement to be carried out by a special task force under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and the Ekiti State Environmental Protection Agency.
We are not just enforcing a ban; we are also working to support smokers who wish to quit through counseling and rehabilitation programs
The Commissioner also revealed plans for public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of a smoke-free environment. “We are not just enforcing a ban; we are also working to support smokers who wish to quit through counseling and rehabilitation programs,” Dr. Filani added.
The Ekiti State Government has urged residents to comply with the new regulation and report any violations to the authorities. Community leaders, market associations, and transport unions have been enlisted to support the enforcement of the ban and ensure its success.
This administration is committed to improving the well-being of our people. Tobacco smoking poses a significant threat to public health, and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked in our capital city
This move has been hailed by health advocates and residents as a bold step toward improving public health in Ado-Ekiti. However, some individuals, particularly smokers, have expressed concerns about the feasibility of the ban and its potential impact on personal freedoms.
Our team lead, @DowoleGoldMoyin is currently attending the Flag-Off of Ekiti State Smoke-Free Project and World Tobacco Day, organized by @CAPPAfrica and @Ulera_Ekiti .
Together, we can raise awareness and put an end to smoking. #SmokeFreeEkiti #SmokeFreeProject #Ekitistate pic.twitter.com/c12kFbCcNR
— GoldHeart Foundation for Teens & Orphans (@ghfngo) May 30, 2025
The government has assured citizens that the policy is in the best interest of the collective well-being and will be implemented with fairness and transparency.
Efforts to reach the Ekiti State Police Command for comments on their role in enforcing the ban were unsuccessful at the time of this report. The Ekiti State Government remains optimistic that the ban will set a precedent for other cities in the state and beyond, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
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