Athletes in Nigeria may begin to undergo doping test before leaving the country for international competitions if the relevant agencies buy into SWAN and NDLEA’s suggestion.
This is part of contents of a communique issued during the sensitization forum jointly organised by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Ondo State and the state Command of Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) on Friday at Akure Sports Complex .
Speaking on the theme: “Drug Abuse: A Menace In Nigerian Sports,” the two resource persons, Mr. Olubunmi Akinsemola and Olympian Lawrence Adegbeingbe took the audience, who were mostly sports men and women, through records of doping victims.
The resource persons urged Nigerian Sportspersons to shun doping and engage in meaningful training under the supervision of coaches.
State Commander of NDLEA, Kayode Raji suggested that athletes should be made to undergo doping test before the commencement of any competition.
The Federal Government and all relevant authorities were called upon to acquire hi-tech doping testing kits to prevent the nation from international embarrassment.
The communique reads in parts: “Government should make it mandatory for representatives of the country to undergo drug testing before any major sporting competition to avoid embarrassment that comes with doping.
“Emphasis should be more on sports scientists to educate athletes on the ideal nutrition and supplement intake for optimal performances instead of depending on drugs.
“Athletes should be introduced to better diets and the need to recover after trainings.
“World-class testing facilities and equipment should be provided in the country to determine athletes’ status before any competition.
“The authority is enjoined to ensure procurement of hi-tech testing kits to avoid procedural errors in dope testing.
“Sports men and women be involved in meaningful training under the strict directives of coaches and other administrative support rather than indulge in arbitrary drug use.”
The resource persons advised all performers to be self-disciplined, united with one another to ensure a healthy living.
Earlier, the state Chairman of SWAN, Segun Giwa had called for creation of a drug-free sports culture in the country.
He urged sportsmen and women, particularly up and coming ones, to im one the culture that values hard work, dedication and fair play.
Present at the event are the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, who declared the event open, Chairman, Badminton Association in Ondo State and Patron of SWAN, Chief Olu Ajanaku, senior officers from NDLEA, among others.