A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Smoke-Free Nollywood, and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), have launched a digital media campaign to discourage smoking scenes in-home movies watched by children.
The Creative Director, Smoke-Free Nollywood, Ms. Esther Aghotor stated that a visual Public Service Announcement (PSA) on the harmful effects that smoking in movies has on children, was jointly released on social media platforms by the two organizations on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
Going forward, she explained that the PSA advocacy video titled “Children are watching” was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture as well as other stakeholders.
According to research, more than one-third of current adult smokers started smoking due to the influence of film.
She said, “The partnership with the National Film and Video Censors Board shows the agency’s commitment to promoting public health and safety of movie watchers, particularly children who are the most impressionable members of society.
“Recall that the Nigeria National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act of 2015 and the NTC Regulations 2019 prohibit the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products in entertainment.”
The PSA video, among other cast, features veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade Ekeinde who called on her industry colleagues to avoid promoting tobacco products in movies in the interest of public health.
According to the World Health Organization, over 370,000 Nigerians smoke cigarettes, and tobacco is the leading cause of cancer globally.
The #SmokeFreeNollywood had in 2021 released an entertainment industry PSA in support of the campaign from influential Nollywood stars, including Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Dakore Egbuson-Akande.
Others included are Osas Ighodaro, Anto Lecky, Meg Otanwa, Michelle Dede, Kayode Kasum, Daniel Effiong, Linda Ejiofor, Kiki Omeili, and Imoh Emmanuel Chimezie.