By Silvernews
In a bold move to promote clean sports and protect athletes from inadvertent doping violations, the Imo State Government has partnered with the Ibadan Botanical Doping Research Group from the University of Ibadan to educate athletes on the risks associated with the use of indigenous herbs and roots.
The sensitization campaign, held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, drew athletes from across the state as they prepare for the upcoming National Sports Festival. The focus of the workshop was a newly-identified threat in the world of competitive sports—“Optotomous Botanical Supplement Doping”—a term coined by the research group to describe performance-enhancing practices involving locally-sourced herbal substances.
Speaking to Newsmen after the event, Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Everistus Onyeocha, reaffirmed the Uzodimma administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards doping.
“Our governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, a former President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, is a strong advocate of clean sports,” Onyeocha said. “This administration is committed to ensuring our athletes understand the consequences of doping, even when it involves seemingly harmless traditional herbs. Competing clean is the only way forward.”
Also lending his voice, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Abuse Monitoring, Honourable Chief Ogbonna Ezechukwu, highlighted the importance of the initiative in the ongoing fight against drug abuse in Imo.
“This partnership is timely. Many athletes are unaware that certain native substances can lead to positive doping results,” Ezechukwu noted. “Governor Uzodimma made history by appointing an SA on Narcotics, a reflection of his commitment to eradicating drug misuse in the state.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Peggy-Joe Olaseyinde, who leads the Ibadan Botanical Doping Research Group, stressed the urgency of the sensitization campaign, stating that the line between traditional remedies and banned substances is often blurred.
“Optotomous Botanical Supplement Doping refers to the use of indigenous herbs believed to enhance performance,” Dr. Olaseyinde explained. “These substances may appear harmless but can contain active ingredients that are synthesized into modern drugs, leading to unintentional doping violations. Education is the best defense.”
She expressed appreciation to the Imo State Ministry of Sports for their collaboration and called for sustained efforts to raise awareness across the country.
The initiative is seen as a proactive stride towards protecting the integrity of sports in Imo State and shielding athletes from the hidden risks of traditional performance enhancers. As preparations continue for the National Sports Festival, Imo’s athletes are being equipped not just for competition, but for clean and honorable representation.
