As part of renewed efforts to strengthen tobacco control measures in Oyo State, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI) has paid an advocacy visit to the Oyo State Ministry of Health, calling for improved implementation of the state’s Tobacco Control Law and the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms.
The TBI delegation was received by Dr. Babatunde Akintunde, Director of Public Health, who represented the Honourable Commissioner for Health. Also present at the meeting was Mrs. Christianah Adedeji, the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Desk Officer, who formally introduced the delegation.
Leading the advocacy delegation, the Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, formally introduced the organisation and underscored its sustained commitment to advancing public health and gender-focused interventions in Oyo State. He stated that TBI has been actively implementing public health and gender-related programmes in the state since 2018 and has maintained a longstanding partnership with UNICEF in efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye further disclosed that in 2025, the organisation expanded its portfolio by joining the global tobacco control community in Kenya, building on its existing community mobilisation and sensitisation initiatives. He explained that this strategic expansion is aimed at strengthening advocacy for sustainable financing and improved regulatory frameworks to support effective tobacco control in Oyo State.
During the meeting, TBI raised key concerns regarding the Oyo State Tobacco Control Law enacted in 2016. According to the organization, the law is currently not publicly accessible online, and its implementation has been minimal since passage. The group called for urgent steps to make the law publicly available and operational to ensure transparency and enforcement.
The organization also advocated for the creation of a dedicated budget line for tobacco control activities in the Ministry’s budget, noting that sustainable funding is essential for enforcement, awareness campaigns, coordination, and long-term impact. TBI further disclosed plans to engage the Ministry of Budget and House of Assembly to promote a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tobacco control in the state.
Responding on behalf of the Ministry, Dr. Akintunde described the visit as timely and strategic. He commended TBI for drawing attention to tobacco control financing, noting that it is an area that often receives limited partner interest. He characterized the engagement as an eye-opener and a welcome development for the Ministry.
Dr. Akintunde revealed that the inauguration of a multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) on tobacco control is scheduled for later in the year. He stated that the Ministry is seeking credible partners to support the TWG and expressed appreciation for TBI’s willingness to collaborate.
He also recommended further research into emerging tobacco-related products such as e-cigarettes and shisha, as well as the development of a robust local data on Non-Communicable Diseases to strengthen evidence-based decision-making in the state. He pledged the Ministry’s commitment to advancing these initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Adaramoye expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s warm reception and openness to partnership. He reaffirmed TBI’s commitment to supporting the forthcoming TWG inauguration and subsequent activities. He also promised to provide the Ministry with a simplified copy of the Tobacco Control Law once available, to enhance public awareness and accessibility.
The advocacy visit marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria and the Oyo State Ministry of Health. Both parties expressed commitment to reinforcing tobacco control implementation, advocating for dedicated funding, and promoting a healthier, smoke-free environment across Oyo State.
