Entertainments

World No Tobacco Day 2021: Omotola, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Others Celebrities Pledge To Stop Smoking Scenes From Movies

Published

5 years ago

May 31, 2021

Joel Ajayi

High-profile Nollywood celebrities — producers, directors, actresses, and actors have teamed up to denounce the promotion of tobacco products in Nigeria movies targeting children in a newly released PSA.

In a statement issued by the Creative Director #SmokeFreeNollywood Ms. Esther Aghotor on Sunday revealed that celebrities joined forces with the #SmokeFreeNollywood campaign backed by Washington DC-based Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids in collaboration with public strategy firm, Gatefield, in celebration of the World No Tobacco Day 2021.

Celebrities involved in the campaign include; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Actress and TIME 100 most influential persons in the world), Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Osas Ighodaro (Actress, Oxfam and Amnesty International Ambassador), Anto Lecky (Actress and Big Brother Nigeria Star), Meg Otanwa (Actress), Michelle Dede (Actress), Kayode Kasum (Film Director, Sugar Rush), Daniel Effiong, (Actor), Linda Ejiofor (Actress), Kiki Omeili (Actress), and Imoh Emmanuel Chimezie (Actor) and others.

According to the World Health Organisation, 370,000 children in Nigeria smoke daily. Research shows that a significant percentage of current adult smokers were influenced by movies.

“37% of these smokers started smoking as children due to the influence of movies that are created,” the celebrities said in the PSA where the celebrities took responsibility and pledged to make amends.

Share on Facebook

Entertainments

Art Minister Musawa Mourns Passing of Nollywood Legend Olu Jacobs at 84

Published

2 weeks ago

September 16, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy mourns the passing of Nigeria’s legendary actor and cultural icon, Sir Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, MFR, who died on Wednesday, 16th September 2026, at the age of 84.

Reacting to the sad news, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., described his death as a monumental loss to the nation and the entire creative industry.

“Olu Jacobs was not just an actor, he was a national institution. He was one of the most important pillars of Nigeria’s entertainment industry and one of Africa’s greatest actors. For over five decades, his voice, his presence and his craft gave life to our stories and gave dignity to our industry”.

“Through the Lufodo Academy which has trained hundreds of actors, directors and filmmakers who are now leading Nollywood, and the countless lives he touched, his legacy will continue to live on stage, on screen and in the hearts of millions of Nigerians. Nigeria has lost a Lion, but his light will never fade.”, Musawa stated.

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the entire creative community, the Ministry also extends heartfelt condolences to Dame Joke Silva, his children, and other family members.

Share on Facebook