SPORTS
SPORTS Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have organised a comprehensive sensitisation programme to combat drug abuse among athletes, fans and the public.
The event, held at the indoor Sports Hall of the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure on Sunday, brought together athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from all sports.
The sensitisation programme’s theme was: “Drug Abuse: Battling a Menace in Nigerian Sports”.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, who declared the programme open, commended the organisers for putting together the event at the right time when the world was preparing for the 2024 Olympics.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Mr Daodu Alex, Yusuf-Ogunleye said the state government was ready to partner with stakeholders and agencies to have a drug abuse free society.
“I admonish the convener of this event (SWAN) and its partner to ensure they take this advocacy beyond this hall.
”Let us take it to schools so that we will be able to educate the upcoming athletes of the danger in taking performance enhancement drugs,”he said.
The Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Kayode Raji, emphasised the urgent need to address the escalating issue of drug abuse within the sports community.
“We are not here to deliver speeches; we are here to save lives.
“Abuse of drugs has destroyed many lives, and it is no longer a distant issue but one that is now prevalent among us.
“The consequences are limitless. Drug abuse is gradually infiltrating the sport community, and now is the time to step in and sensitise athletes about its dangers,” he said.
Raji said that NDLEA was committed to eradicating drug abuse and providing support for those affected.
“Preventive measures and support systems are in place, and we are dedicated to ensuring that athletes have the resources and knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of drug abuse,” he added.
An Olympian Lawrence Adegbehingbe,who was one of the speakers at the event, said that the pressure on athletes to win was immense, driving them to use substances to meet unrealistic performance expectations.
Adegbehingbe emphasized that sensitization on drugs should begin at home, with parents setting positive examples for their children, expressing his gratitude to SWAN and the NDLEA for organising the event.
In his lecture, a senior civil servant in the state, Mr Bunmi Akinsemola, said doping was as old as sports itself, adding that the essence of doping was to cheat.
“Even the ancient Olympics were not spared from the allegations of the use of herbal infusion before races, use of alcohol in modern Olympics was not uncommon,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, The state Chairman of SWAN, Mr Segun Giwa, highlighted the significant threats that drug abuse could pose to the sports industry.
Giwa asked sports writers not to be complacent and that they should play an active role in raising awareness and educating athletes.
He called for stronger government support and the creation of a drug-free sports culture that would value hard work, dedication, and fair play.
“Let us all work together to create a drug-free sports culture in Nigeria. A culture that values hard work, dedication, and fair play.
”A culture that produces champions who inspire us with their talents , their character, and their integrity,” he said
In his remarks, the Patron of SWAN in the state and Chairman of the State Badminton Association,Chief Olu Ajabaku, congratulated both NDLEA and SWAN for organising the advocacy programme.
Ajanaku, who likened sports to a ‘friendly war’, said, “Sports is used to measure how healthy a nation is. The way we present ourselves as the youth of this nation goes a long way.” .
He referred to drug abuse as ‘narco-terrorism, stating that the enemies of the country were using it to decimate the population of the youths.
Ajanaku said as a traditional ruler, he affirmed his duty to support the NDLEA in the fight to rid society off
