On Monday, 16th June 2025, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) team paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to Hon. Bosun Osaloni, the Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government in Ekiti State, and his leadership team.
The visit followed the Chairman’s declaration of Ado Ekiti as a smoke-free city during the 2025 World No Tobacco Day celebration, a move that catapulted Ado Ekiti into the league of cities making strong, people-first public health policies. In addition, the declaration affirmed the city’s commitment to mirror the Ekiti State Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law (2012), a progressive piece of legislation designed to safeguard citizens’ right to clean air and healthy public spaces.
During the visit, CAPPA presented an award to Hon. Osaloni in recognition of his administration’s commitment to prioritise the well-being of non-smokers, children, and other vulnerable groups over tobacco industry interests.
In his remarks, the Chairman expressed deep appreciation for the honour and revealed plans to introduce a local bylaw that will formally prohibit smoking in public spaces within the local government area. Once enacted, this bylaw will include clear penalties to guarantee compliance and strengthen enforcement.
The Chairman also called on CAPPA to provide technical support and policy guidance to ensure the bylaw aligns with global best practices. CAPPA pledged its full support and readiness to work closely with the local government to make the smoke-free vision a legal and practical reality.
