By Victor Akinkuolie
Ode-Irele
The lawmaker representing Irele State Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Christopher Ogunlana, has expressed serious concern over the recent deaths in Ode-Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government area of Ondo State.
The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Health and Public Sanitation, expressed worry over the surge in youth deaths in the community and warned against the consumption of alcoholic concoctions and hard drugs among youths in the community.
Recall that eight persons, mainly youths, were recently confirmed dead in the community, while several others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming a herbal concoction made from locally produced alcohol in the community.
Ogunlana, reacting to the development, expressed deep concern and called for collective action, medical caution and prayers to halt further loss of lives in the town.
He explained that the reported loss of young and able-bodied men in the town and some other parts of Ondo South Senatorial District was worrisome.
The lawmaker described the reported deaths, particularly among young men, as a disturbing development that requires urgent attention, collective reflection and appropriate intervention by relevant authorities and stakeholders.
According to the lawmaker, the reported frequency of deaths in some communities has generated widespread concern and should not be treated casually.
He, therefore suggested a coordinated effort involving government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, health professionals, parents and youths to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and prevent further loss of lives.
The lawmaker raised concerns over the reported consumption of locally prepared herbal concoctions, particularly those mixed with alcohol, by some youths in the treatment of ailments such as malaria, rheumatism, dysentery and other illnesses.
Ogunlana, while noting that the actual causes of the reported deaths should be established through proper medical and traditional investigations, cautioned youths against consuming unregulated herbal mixtures or substances whose contents, dosage and safety cannot be verified by qualified health professionals.
He equally warned against the abuse of hard drugs and other harmful substances, stressing that indiscriminate consumption of such substances can seriously damage vital organs and expose users to potentially life-threatening health complications.
The lawmaker urged youths to become active advocates for healthy living by discouraging the consumption of dangerous substances and reporting suspicious or potentially harmful products to the appropriate authorities.
He suggested that greater public awareness was necessary to protect young people from preventable health risks, while encouraging parents, community leaders and youth organisations to intensify campaigns against substance abuse and the indiscriminate use of unregulated medicinal preparations.
Ogunlana also called on youths to embrace responsible and morally upright lifestyles, noting that personal discipline, healthy living and positive social values are essential to building a productive and secure society.
He disclosed that the Ondo State House of Assembly was considering legislative measures aimed at strengthening the regulation of the sale and consumption of harmful substances and addressing practices that could endanger public health.
According to him, effective legislation, enforcement, public enlightenment and access to appropriate healthcare would contribute significantly to protecting the lives and wellbeing of citizens.
The lawmaker commiserated with families who have lost their loved ones in the reported incidents, praying that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear their losses.
He further urged residents of Irele and other affected communities across Ondo South to remain vigilant, avoid unverified substances and seek professional medical attention whenever they fall ill.
Ogunlana also called for prayers for the affected communities, asking God Almighty to bring an end to the reported loss of promising young lives and grant the people peace, protection and good health.