The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its partnership with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) will help to combat drug abuse among athletes and their fans.
Mr Kayode Raji, the NDLEA Commander in Ondo state, stated this during a courtesy visit to the state chapter of SWAN in Akure on Friday.
Raji, who noted hard drugs had cut short so many careers and lives of athletes momentarily or after the span of their chosen career, said that there was need to address the menace.
He said the synergy with SWAN would help sensitise sports men and women on the dangers of taking psychotropic substances with the erroneous belief that it would enhance their performance.
According to him, the command will visit sports administrators in the state with the message on how the agency could help in curbing the underlying menace of drug abuse in sports.
“The essence of coming is actually to initiate something transformative, something revolutionary.
“It might seem like child’s play to some people, if we are able to succeed, it will be a model among all other states in the country.
“Before now, we used music generously as music and sports always meet.
“As time went by, we discovered that it is not only music and sports that meet, sports and drugs also meet and so, that is the very essence of our coming.
“We have discovered in all our activities and researches, that there is a very close link between sports and drugs.
“We discovered that such relationship can be harmful if not orientated, hence, the need to have a positive relationship with sports writers,” he stated.
Raji also said that sports journalists were critical stakeholders in achieving the target of the agency in the sports world.
“You hold a very high stand in the fight against drugs even without you knowing, we know the power of the press.
“The press has its own power and authority, and your own does not stop there, you also have the power of sports because sport itself moves the world.
“Anywhere in the world, whether football in this part of this world or, some other part of the world basketball ball, netball, even in some other part of the world cricket, you play a vital role.
“Whatever it is, you encompass all and we have discovered that there is a very serious relationship between drugs and sports,” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of SWAN in the state, Segun Giwa, appreciated the leadership of NDLEA for making it a priority to help to sustain lives and careers of youths, especially those in sports.
Giwa said that the association was on the same page with the agency by organising events on drug usage among sports men and women.
“We appreciate your visit. This came at a very important time when abuse of drugs is on the rise.
“We are also planning to have an event for athletes and footballers in the state and we will invite you to help educate and speak at the event,” he said. (NAN)
