The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Ondo State chapter, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have raised the alarm over the high usage of hard drugs among athletes in the state.
While harping on the need to eliminate the menace of drug abuse among athletes, the Commander of NDLEA in the state, Kayode Raji, expressed concern over the escalating use of drugs within the sports community.
According to the NDLEA commander, the use of illicit drugs is capable of abruptly ending athletes’ promising careers in the world of sports.
At a sensitisation programme held at the indoor sports hall of the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, with the theme ‘Drug Abuse: Battling A Menace in Nigerian Sports,’ Raji emphasised that the development calls for urgent measures to address the high rate of hard substances in circulation.
“Drug abuse has destroyed many lives, and it is no longer a distant issue but one that is now prevalent among us. 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 said.
The chairman of SWAN in the state, Segun Giwa, urged sports writers to be actively involved in the sensitisation of athletes and their fans.
He called for stronger government support and the creation of a drug-free sports culture that values hard work, dedication, and fair play.