Public Smokers Face 3 months Imprisonment In Ekiti

Emmanuel AmudaJune 1, 2019

0 1 minute read

Medical Experts have called for the immediate enforcement of the law banning smoking in public places in Ekiti state signed into law in 2012 that recommends 3 months imprisonment.

The medical experts made the call at an awareness programme organised by the Ekiti State government in commemoration of this year’s world tobacco day held at Lady Jibowu Hall Government House Ado-Ekiti.

One of them who is a Consultant endocrinologist, Dr. Deji Ajayi decried the rate at which people especially youth engaged in smoking despite its negative consequences on their health.

Ajayi also noted that since government had banned smoking in public places through proper legislation, there was the need for more advocacy to stimulate the consciousness of the people on danger inherent in tobacco smoking

Another expert and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Opeyemi Ogunsakin observed that tobacco smoking was rampant in the state and called for enforcement of the law against such act.

Dr. Ogunsakin further cautioned that anyone caught smoking tobacco in public places risks three months imprisonment and urged stakeholders to assist government in reducing the menace in the state.

Earlier, Governor Kayode Fayemi told the gathering that his administration was poised to engage security agencies to enforce the law and check the spate of drug abuse and tobacco smoking in the state..