The need to have one voice against the use of illicit substances by Nigerian athletes and the youths in the country to have a safe healthy environment has once again come to the front burner at the recently held national symposium organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter with collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Police, Lagos State Sports Commission and other relevant agencies in the country on the danger of using illicit and enhance drugs in sports.

Held at the prestigious Golfview Hotel & Conference Centre at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, various speakers at the one-day event believe that the alarming surge in the use of illicit substances by the youths calls for concern.

Kudos were given to the leadership of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police and other relevant agencies in the war against drug abuse in the country, while Nigerians were also enjoined to see the crusade as a war that must jointly be won.

Speaking on the topic “NDLEA, a Tool for an Enhanced Nigeria”, DCN Chinyerem Eziaghhihala, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, raises the alarm that the pandemic is now affecting all sectors of Nigerian society, adding that with cannabis the most used substance, more young people, both male and female, are getting involved most frighteningly.

She said the NDLEA is not resting on its oars, and armed with its two broad mandates: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction, the war is being won gradually as against what was obtainable in the past.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who is also a co-convener of the symposium talked about the Role of the Nigeria Police Force in Sports Development in Nigeria. According to him, there is a biotic relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and sports development, as the police have contributed immensely to national sports achievement through many of its officers who have won laurels for the country.

CP Fayoade said the NPF plays its roles well in national sports development in several ways which include the provision of sports facilities, partnership with national sports federations, and providing security at sports events among others.

Dr. (Mrs) Yemisi Folasire, Head of Human Nutrition and Diabetic Public Health College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, who represented the Vice Chancellor of UI, in her presentation, Sports Nutrition and Doping emphasized the need for sportsmen and women to eat a good diet at all times, adding that the only way to keep elevating their game is through constant training.

Dr. Folasire submitted that “doping might provide a shortcut, but it is cheating – pure and simple.”

To the Chief Convener of the Symposium and chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter), Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, diplomacy and security has been a binding force that complements each other amidst irreconcilable differences, adding that diplomacy plays critical roles that can’t be overlooked.

According to Oladunni, the first-ever female chairman of SWAN in the history of the association in the southwest of Nigeria, “A human existence is determined by a credible and structured security system and as a safe, secure atmosphere, it gives a reassured hope of flourishing, prospect and peace which however enhance healthy living.

“The effect does reflect in the prosperous nature and brand called sports which has now become a religion of unification and integration of races, colours and status.

“You will agree with me that, it’s been established over the years that the strong binding force for a nation’s existence, peace and flourishing is built around security and diplomatic ties, and this cannot be achieved without balanced foreign relations.

“In line with the commemoration of the International Olympic Committee, IOC, World Anti-Doping Agency, International Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Word Health Organization, WHO, on securing the environment via advocacy against the use of illicit substances and initiating good collaborations with security agencies to help in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking we put this symposium together and I am so happy that it has been a huge success.

“This second edition of the Symposium/Campaign on Sports Diplomacy, Sports Security and Food Health is an “all-inclusive participation” of professionals across their major area of specialisations, most importantly, from security, diplomatic and health, to convey detailed re-orientation to sports federations, universities, our performing athletes who compete at global stage and youths who are groomed for future sports purpose, as they have been one of the major vulnerable of illicit substances over the years, using it as an energy enhancer.”

Several dignitaries were honoured by Olatutu Oladunni-led Lagos SWAN Executive during the event, among whom were Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi, Commander, 9 Brigade Battalion, CP Adegoke Fayoade, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Alhaji Olanrewaju Adesokan of Surrycom Great Nigeria Limited, Sanni Oladunni, CEO of Mol Integrated Services Limited, Austine Oshioke, CEO, Desaju Homes and Security Limited.