Olamide has stated he had no intentions of promoting tobacco to get people killed in the music video for his song, ‘Wo!‘
‘No intentions of promoting tobacco to get people killed, I love my people, I love my country, one love, one Nigeria,’ he wrote on Twitter.
No intentions of promoting tobacco to get people killed, I love my people, I love my country, one love , one Nigeria #ClearTheAir 🇳🇬Oya Wo !
— Olamide Adedeji (@olamide_YBNL) August 22, 2017
It was the following scene in the video that sparked the controversy.
READ: Olamide in trouble over new song, ‘Wo!’
The YBNL artiste had earlier been thrown in the spotlight by the Federal Ministry of Health for promoting second-hand smoking habits in his video.
The public is informed of the dangerous public health content & violation of 🇳🇬 Tobacco Ctrl Act 2015 in “Wo” by @olamide_YBNL #ClearTheAir pic.twitter.com/oVlUI976yJ
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 18, 2017
The content & video contains scenes that violates the ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion & Sponsorship provision of the act #ClearTheAir
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 18, 2017
The video promoting a dangerous habit encourages second-hand smoking. The risks include cancers, respiratory & cardiovascular diseases
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 18, 2017
Although the Ministry received a backlash from Nigerians as a result, it has now reached an understanding with Olamide.
According to them, the rapper learnt in a call between both parties the effect of tobacco on the population – with six million killed annually according to them.
Thank you rapper Olamide for your response. We respect this heart for the health of the people and your fans. Responsibility! #ClearTheAir https://t.co/MsRTLiKNlZ
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 22, 2017
We had a good call with rapper @olamide_YBNL who learnt that Tobacco kills 6 Million people yearly. He committed to making things right!
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 22, 2017
The Health Ministry added that Olamide is committed to making things right and thanked him for his concern and cooperation.
We are in the business of public health promotion. It is not in our mandate to ban music. We thank Olamide for his cooperation. One Nigeria!
— Health Ministry NGR (@Fmohnigeria) August 22, 2017