Olamide Adedeji, indigenous rapper, says he had no intention of promoting tobacco in the music video for his new single ‘Wo’.

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In a statement released on Twitter on Sunday, the ministry of health had said the rapper violated the 2015 tobacco act, warning that the video had “dangerous public health content”.

“The public is informed of the dangerous public health content & violation of Tobacco Control Act 2015 in ‘Wo’ by @olamide_YBNL #ClearTheAir,” the ministry said.

“The content & video contains scenes that violate the ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion & Sponsorship provision of the act #ClearTheAir.”

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Responding to the warning, the rapper on Tuesday took to Twitter to say he cannot do anything that will “get people killed”.

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He wrote: “No intentions of promoting tobacco to get people killed, I love my people, I love my country, one love, one Nigeria #ClearTheAir Oya Wo!”

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According to the 2015 Tobacco Control Act, it is prohibited to promote or advertise tobacco or tobacco products except between a manufacturer, retailer and consenting persons above 18 years of age.

“No person shall promote or advertise tobacco or tobacco products in any form,” it reads.

“No person shall engage or participate in any tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship as a media or event organizer, celebrity or other participant.”

According to the 2015 law, anyone who violates the law faces the risk of a fine and jail term of not more than one year.

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“Person that produces or publishes advertising, promotion or sponsorship content and shall attract a fine of not less than N3,000,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year.”



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