CAPPA Unveils Winners Of #SmokefreeNollywood Skit Challenge In ‘Reverse Strategy’

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) on Monday named winners of its #Smokefree Nollywood Skit Challenge.

The New Diplomat reports the Skit Challenge had commenced on May 12, 2022, as CAPPA, in what it termed a ‘reverse strategy’ to counter the antics of the tobacco industry against Nigerian youths, said the global CSO will continue to involve youths within the 18–35 year bracket in its campaign for a #Smokefree Nollywood early enough before big tobacco wins over their lungs and creative prowess.

A total of 126 entries were received at the end of the competition on June 30, 2022. Contestants were asked to create a video of not more than 2:20 mins with messages on the dangers of smoking and a call to action, urging the Nigerian government to enforce the ban on Tobacco Advertising Promotion and Sponsorships (TAPS) with emphasis on the entertainment industry.

Announcing the winners at a media briefing in Lagos, Executive Director, CAPPA, Comrade Akinbode Oluwafemi said the entries were “scrutinized by a team of experienced Panelists who scaled them down to the final five that we have here today.”

The winner of the Skit Challenge: Ojo-Adebayo Peter Oluwaseun went away with a Camera, while the 1st Runner-up, Popoola Abiola Isaac got a Laptop reward and the 3rd runner-up, Ilemobola Michael Oluwasegun, a Tecno Camon 19 phone. The 4th and 5th recognised entries also got consolation cash prizes.

According to Oluwafemi, “CAPPA intervention through the Skit Challenge is a reverse strategy. While the tobacco industry wants to capture their minds and their lungs, we have decided instead to engage their creative abilities to spread anti-tobacco messages especially the need for the federal government to strictly enforcement the ban on TAPS.

“The same minds that the tobacco industry creatively manipulates to woo into smoking and addiction, have through the Challenge shown that they can use their time and talent for advocacy purpose which ultimately protects them from the industry. The youths have a choice, and their choice is not to become replacement smokers. The #Smokefree Nollywood Skit Challenge is another creative youth initiative from CAPPA. In 2019 we also created the TC Rap Challenge – a music competition targeted at creating awareness on enforcement of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019. Fortunately, the winner of the TC Rap Challenge in 2019 is also here and will share some insights.” Oluwafemi, a leading anti-tobacco activist said.

CAPPA also used the occasion to call on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to enforce the ban on Tobacco Advertising Promotion and Sponsorships (TAPS) with emphasis on the movies and entertainment sector, including the introduction of ratings in movies with smoking scene in cases where historical accuracy is required.