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By SilverNews
In a bold move to promote clean sports and protect athletes from involuntary doping violations, the IMO state government has collaborated with the Ibadan University of Ibadan Botanical Doping Group to educate athletes on the risks associated with the use of indigenous herbs and roots.
The awareness campaign, held at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, has attracted athletes from all over the state while preparing for the next National Sports Festival. The focus of the seminar was a recently identified threat in the world of competitive sports –“Doping of optoomic botanical supplements”—A term coined by the research group to describe the practices of improving performance involving herbs of local herbs.
Speaking with NewsmeN After the event, the state commissioner of IMO for sport, the honorable Obinna Everistus Onyeocha, reiterated the zero-talemity policy of the Uzodimma administration against doping.
“Our governor, senator Hope Uzodimma, former president of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, is a strong supporter of clean sports,” said Onyeocha. “This administration is committed to guaranteeing our athletes understand the consequences of doping, even when it involves apparently harmless traditional herbs. Clear in competition is the only way to go.”
Even by lending his voice, the special consultant of the governor for narcotics and the monitoring of the drug for the abuse of drugs, the honorable chief Ogbonna Ezechukwu, underlined the importance of the initiative in the current fight against the abuse of drugs in the soul.
“This partnership is timely. Many athletes are not aware of the fact that some native substances can lead to positive doping results,” Ezechukwu observed. “Governor Uzodimma made history by appointing a SA on narcotics, a reflection of his commitment to eradicating the abuse of drugs in the state.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Peggy-Joe Olaseyinde, who guides the research group on Ibadan’s botanical doping, underlined the urgency of the awareness campaign, stating that the border between traditional remedies and prohibited substances is often blurred.
“Opthotomous doping on a botanical supplement refers to the use of indigenous herbs that are believed to improve performance,” explained Dr. Olaseyinde. “These substances may appear harmless but may contain active ingredients that are summarized in modern drugs, leading to involuntary doping violations. Education is the best defense.”
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of State Sport IMO for their collaboration and asked for efforts supported to raise awareness throughout the country.
The initiative is seen as a proactive step to protect the integrity of sport in the imo state and protect athletes from the hidden risks of traditional performance enhancers. While preparations continue for the National Sports Festival, IMO athletes are equipped not only for competition, but for a clean and honorable representation.
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