The Ekiti state government has reiterated its commitment to advocate tobacco use and achieve smoke -free communities throughout the state.
The Government explained that the growing smoking rate among residents, especially young people, is disturbing, noting that smoking has contributed significantly to high levels of diseases and private diseases in society.
The Human and Health Services Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, spoke on Friday during an event that commemorates the day of the non-Tobacco World and the Declaration of Ado-Ekiti free of smoke, organized by corporate responsibility and public participation Africa (CAPPA).
Filani, who was represented by the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Gigotun, said that interested parties must intensify awareness campaigns against tobacco consumption and “the manipulative strategies of the producers.”
Revealing that the World Health Organization (WHO) linked the number of deaths annually related to tobacco consumption throughout the world, said the state government would do everything possible to protect its population from this threat.
Filani praised the organization to associate with the state government to achieve a healthier society, saying: “Our young people deserve to grow in free environments of the manipulation of the industries promoted by profits.”
According to him, “today, we must commit ourselves to unmask these tactics and advocate for the truth. We must empower communities with precise information, strengthen regulations to close gaps and support people on the trip to leave tobacco use.
“We join as defenders of health, the truth and a future free of tobacco. We promise to expose the tactics of the industry and protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.”
Speaking, the executive director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that the organization was concerned about the growing level of marketing strategies deployed by manufacturers to introduce new tobacco products to society.
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He expressed optimism that the decision of the leaders of the local government of Ado-Ekiti to declare the state-free state of smoke would help eliminate the dangerous tendency in the 16 areas of the local government of the State and safeguard public health.
He said: “While national statistics provide a broad overview, the situation in Ekiti is equally worrying. The consumption of tobacco and the vulnerability of Ekiti's young people to the tortuous strategies of the industry to undermine tobacco control efforts pose important public health challenges.
“Today's flag is the beginning, not the end. Smoke -free environments are not achieved only by law: they require political will, budgetary assignments for tobacco control, intersectoral coordination, social acceptance and consistent public education.
“With the clear sign of interest and action of Ekiti, we are sure that the State is on its way to becoming a national model for the initiative of smoke -free cities.
“I call all Ekiti residents, especially members of the city of Ado-Ekiti, who join this noble effort. We educate our communities about the dangers of tobacco use and the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle. Together, we can create a healthier and tobacco ekiti.”
For his part, the president of the Local Government of Ado, Chief Bosun Osaloni, who declared the preparation for the entire local government to be free of smoke, said the Council would intensify consciousness and defense campaigns to highlight the dangers of tobacco to health.
“There is no benefit in tobacco consumption. That is why we must act together to protect our health, our children and our communities of the devastating consequences of this lethal product,” he said.
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