By Ghazali Ibrahim 
In a landmark move towards improving public health, the Ekiti State government has imposed a ban on public consumption of nicotine and tobacco products across the state.
The decision was announced during the flag-off ceremony of the Smoke-Free project, held in recognition of World No Tobacco Day 2025.
The ban is part of a comprehensive public health strategy aimed at safeguarding the well-being of Ekiti residents.
According to the Commissioner of Health, Oyebanji Filani, the state is committed to curbing the detrimental effects of tobacco on public health.
“We must empower communities with accurate information and strengthen regulations to close all loopholes,” Filani emphasized.
The Chairman of Ado Local Government, Bosun Osaloni, has expressed support for the ban, citing the need to protect citizens, especially the youth, from smoking-related health hazards.
The recent development aligned with the state law on prohibition of public smoking that was passed in 2012.
However, Ekiti state joins the likes of Anambra and some other southern states in Nigeria that have placed a ban on public smoking, citing reasons for need to improve public health.
This development marks a significant step towards a healthier, tobacco-free future for Ekiti State residents.
