Every year on August 31, the world unites to mark International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD)—a day dedicated to honoring the lives lost to overdose, fighting stigma, and raising awareness about prevention. In Ona Ara Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria, this year’s commemoration takes on a special meaning as Honorable Oluwafemi Abolade Gabriel, popularly known as Yerima, uses the occasion to call on young people to shun the use of hard drugs and embrace healthier lifestyles.
For Yerima, this is more than a soundbite—it is a continuation of his track record as a servant-leader, a two-term councillor, and the current House Leader at Ona Ara Local Government, now preparing for what many describe as a game-changing leap in the next political dispensation.
Who Is Hon. Oluwafemi Abolade Gabriel “Yerima”?
Hon. Yerima is not a newcomer to politics or public service. His name is already etched in the political landscape of Ona Ara:
Two-Term Councillor: His tenure as councillor was marked by youth-focused initiatives, grassroots mobilization, and transparent representation of his ward’s interests.
Current House Leader: In his leadership role at Ona Ara Local Government, he has been a bridge between the executive arm and the grassroots, ensuring that the voice of the people informs governance.
Nickname ‘Yerima’: Beyond titles, his popular nickname “Yerima” has become a rallying point for both youth and elders, symbolizing trust, accessibility, and commitment to change.
Now, as 2027 edges closer, political watchers say Yerima is positioning himself for a broader mandate, one that could redefine the developmental trajectory of Ona Ara.
A Call on International Overdose Awareness Day
Marking IOAD 2025, Yerima’s message was clear and uncompromising:
> “Our youths must shun hard drugs and embrace healthy lifestyles. The future of Ona Ara depends on the energy, health, and creativity of our young people. Drug abuse robs us of that future, but together, we can fight back.”
This bold statement is not mere rhetoric—it is rooted in the urgent realities facing communities in Oyo State. A 2023 NDLEA report noted a troubling rise in drug abuse among youths, especially in urban and semi-urban centers of the Southwest. Oyo State itself launched a Drug Abuse Control Committee in 2024, signaling the seriousness of the crisis. Yerima’s campaign ties directly into this momentum, ensuring Ona Ara is not left behind.
Yerima’s Blueprint for Youth and Drug Prevention
Hon. Yerima is translating his words into action through concrete plans tailored to Ona Ara:
1. School-Based Drug Education Clubs – Partnering with secondary schools to create peer-led clubs where young people can learn about drug dangers, share experiences, and mentor one another.
2. “Yerima Healthy Futures” Campaign – A flagship program combining community dialogues, counseling sessions, and sporting/talent events as alternatives to destructive habits.
3. Community Purple Landmark Illumination – To mark IOAD annually, Yerima proposes illuminating community landmarks in purple, the symbolic color of overdose awareness.
4. Stakeholder Partnerships – Collaborating with NDLEA, health workers, traditional leaders, and youth organizations for sustainable prevention campaigns.
5. Rehabilitation Advocacy – Pushing for mobile counseling units and access to rehabilitation facilities in Ona Ara, especially for young people seeking recovery.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of Yerima’s message could not be more significant:
Youth at Risk: Ona Ara, like many LGAs, faces the dual challenge of unemployment and peer pressure, often fueling substance abuse.
Leadership Vacuum: Many young people feel disconnected from their leaders. Yerima, being accessible and relatable, bridges that gap.
Political Ambition with Substance: As he eyes a larger role in the next dispensation, this campaign demonstrates not just ambition but substance-driven leadership.
Conclusion: A Leader for the Next Generation
On this day in history, August 31, while the world remembers lives lost to overdose, Ona Ara remembers something more: a leader who chose to step up and inspire change.
Hon. Oluwafemi Abolade Gabriel “Yerima” is more than a politician—he is becoming a movement, a voice for youth, and a symbol of a healthier, brighter Ona Ara. His vision is clear: to build a generation of young people free from the chains of addiction, empowered to dream, and ready to lead.
As the countdown to the next political dispensation begins, one question remains—will Ona Ara entrust this mission to the man already proving he can deliver?
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