Oludamisi Ojo, Akure

A first-class monarch in Ondo state and Olukare of Ikare Akoko, Oba Akadri Saliu Momoh has denied endorsing any of the candidates vying for the Ondo North Senatorial seat.

He said, “all the candidates are my children”.

According to the monarch, such a statement never emanated from his palace.

In a press statement by the coordinator of Akoko For Good Governance, Oluwole Adebisi quoted the monarch to have said the three contestants from Ikare Akoko are his sons and they all possessed the capacity to represent the people’s interest in the Red chamber.

It was learned that at one of the weekly town-hall meetings held at Olukare’s palace, some traditional chiefs from the quarter of one of the aspirants solicited kabiyesi’s endorsement for their son.

But Oba Akadri momoh declined to make any comment.

He urged all parties to canvass for votes, adding that “Ikare is home to all Akokos and the Olukare is a father to all. Therefore, he won’t endorse any candidate over others.

The statement reads “Kabiyesi only prayed for them, advised them to always be at the forefront of getting the party ticket to the town.

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“The Olukare said he is not a member of any political party be it PDP or APC that all aspirants irrespective of their party belong to him and can come at any time to receive a royal blessing as he remains neutral of any political activities and father of all”

“We urge everyone to remain steadfast and determined that our senatorial district will witness a tremendous change in terms of good representation”

‘Youths can achieve success without stimulants’

The Ondo State Committee on Drug Control has advised youths in the state to shun drug abuse, saying that they could still achieve success without indulging in the usage of stimulants.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Folukemi Aladenola stated this during a sensitization on the menace of drug abuse at the Foursquare Gospel Church, FUTA Area, yesterday in Akure.

Aladenola, who is a pharmacist, urged youths to manage their time very well and shun stimulants.

“We have seen a lot of youths under the influence of drugs especially the psychotic drugs and that is why the ministry has taken the sensitization and education of youths against the use of illicit drugs seriously.

“We also talk to parents so that they can address them at home.

“So, we go round schools, religious gatherings and talk to our youths on why they should stay out of drug abuse.

“They can still achieve success without stimulants,” she stated.

According to her, the ministry does not stop at the sensitization level but engages in feedback and has put in place mechanisms to restore those addicted to drug abuse.

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“After the sensitization, we do follow-ups if we have cases of people that have already abused drugs. That is why we involve psychiatric hospitals in partnering with us to restore people that are already addicted.

“We put in measure to correct, not just mere sensitization,” she said.

Earlier, Dr. Sunday Sajo, a Consultant Psychiatrist, noted that drug abuse had become a major public health problem, saying its effects could be seen mainly among the youths.