Public health officials in Ekiti State are taking a more aggressive stance against tobacco use and rising nicotine addiction, especially among young people.
In Ado-Ekiti, health authorities and advocacy groups have intensified awareness campaigns aimed at reducing smoking habits and discouraging the use of nicotine-based products, which are increasingly gaining popularity among youths.
The renewed campaign is being driven in partnership with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, alongside state health institutions, as concerns grow over the spread of tobacco use and emerging vaping products in communities.
Officials say the focus is no longer limited to traditional cigarette smoking. Attention is now shifting to newer nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and vapes, which are often marketed as safer alternatives but still carry addiction risks.
“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, and young people are increasingly being targeted,” a health official said during the campaign engagement.
The campaign emphasises education, community sensitisation, and stronger enforcement of existing tobacco control laws.
Health experts involved in the initiative say misinformation remains a major challenge, especially among youths who are exposed to social media marketing that normalises nicotine use.
There is also concern that many users do not fully understand how addictive nicotine can be, or the long-term health risks associated with regular exposure.
Authorities are encouraging schools, community leaders, and religious organisations to support awareness efforts, especially in rural areas where public health messaging can be inconsistent.
In addition to education campaigns, officials are calling for stronger enforcement of the Ekiti State Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law, 2012, which already restricts smoking in public environments.
Some stakeholders argue that enforcement alone is not enough without sustained public education and accessible cessation support for those already addicted.
“We must protect young people from the growing influence of nicotine products disguised as modern lifestyle choices,” an advocacy representative noted.
Recent global health data continues to link tobacco use to millions of deaths annually, with second-hand smoke also posing risks to non-smokers, particularly children and pregnant women.
In Ekiti, health authorities say the goal is to reduce both direct smoking and passive exposure in public spaces, workplaces, and homes.
The campaign also reflects a broader national concern, as Nigeria continues to grapple with enforcement gaps in tobacco regulation and the rise of new nicotine delivery systems.
Officials say the challenge is evolving, requiring both stricter regulation and more targeted education to prevent a new generation from developing nicotine dependence.
For now, the message from Ekiti’s health authorities is clear.
The fight against tobacco is no longer just about cigarettes on the street, but also about the growing wave of nicotine products reshaping how addiction begins and spreads among young people.
