BY JOHNKENNEDY UZOMA, OWERRI.

As the 22nd National Sports Festival—Gateway 2024—approaches its opening week in Ogun State, the Imo State Government has strongly urged its athletes to abstain from doping, reaffirming its commitment to clean and drug-free sports.

In a sensitisation workshop held on Thursday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Everestus Obinna Onyeocha, emphasised the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug use in sports.

He reiterated his administration’s dedication to promoting integrity and discipline among athletes.

“My government’s deep-rooted involvement in athletics underscores our zero-tolerance policy on doping. Our athletes must always strive to compete clean,” the Governor stated.

A former President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Governor Uzodimma, noted that substance abuse not only destroys careers but also tarnishes the image of the state. He stressed that with proper education and discipline, Imo athletes will continue to compete with honour and pride.

The event featured a collaboration with the Ibadan Botanical Doping Research Group from the University of Ibadan.

The team, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Peggy-Joe Olaseninde, highlighted the dangers of commonly used indigenous herbs and roots, warning that they could trigger positive doping results despite being natural.

“We are a team of researchers investigating Optotomous Botanical Supplement Doping, a term referring to the local herbs and roots widely consumed in our society,” Dr. Olaseninde explained.

 “Many athletes believe avoiding known banned substances is enough, but some traditional herbs can also lead to positive tests. These are often synthesised into modern drugs, making their misuse risky.”

She praised the Imo State Government for its proactive approach and hoped the partnership would continue to promote awareness across the state.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Obonna Ezechukwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Abuse Monitoring, reinforced the government’s hard stance against substance abuse. He noted that Imo remains the first state in the country to appoint a Special Adviser specifically focused on narcotics.

“The fight against dangerous substances is ongoing,” Ezechukwu said. “We welcome every initiative that helps protect our athletes and maintain the integrity of our sports programs.”

This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that Imo athletes are not only well-prepared for competition but also well-informed about the risks associated with both conventional and traditional doping substances.

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has emphasised that the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will be more than just a sporting event; it will be a catalyst for establishing a vibrant sports economy in the state.

Ogun State will host the NSF from May 16 to 30, marking the second time the state has staged the multi-sports fiesta after hosting the 2006 edition.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 6, Governor Abiodun described the hosting of the NSF as a deliberate effort by his administration to build a robust sports economy, particularly through the upgrading of several sports facilities across the state.

“As a visionary government, we are always intentional about our actions. We have been working hard to ensure that the state continues to improve its infrastructure.

“The government has constructed several roads, and as the Gateway to the country, we want to ensure everything is in place for the state to thrive before deciding to bid for the NSF. When we won the bid, we didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of our undertaking, but with our progress so far, we realise we are on the right track for the state to lead while others follow.

“Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” the Governor enthused.

“The founding fathers of the NSF intended to unite the country through the event, and we have embraced this vision, intending to ensure we benefit immensely from hosting the NSF.

“We have already started seeing these benefits even before the games have begun.

“Beyond infrastructure, we aim to use the NSF to boost our GDP by creating a sports economy around the facilities. We intend to make these facilities tourist attractions,” he said.

Governor Abiodun also assured all participating teams of adequate security and safety.

“In addition to robust security measures, this administration has provided shuttle buses to transport athletes to the venues of the sporting activities without delay,” he added.

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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun believes the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will set a new benchmark for future editions of the multi-sports event.

Apart from being the first host state to house all participating athletes under one roof, the Governor assured contingents, spectators, and residents of maximum security during the NSF, which will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30.

During a parley with journalists in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted that Babcock University has been chosen as the games village.

Over 10,000 athletes and officials will compete at the games in Ogun State. The Governor also named former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, as Grand Sports Ambassador, emphasising the state’s readiness to break new ground with the sporting fiesta, which has revitalised all its sporting facilities.

“As the Gateway State, we want to set the pace for others to follow. For the first time in NSF history, all participating athletes and officials will be accommodated under one roof, just like it is done globally.

“They will be well catered for, with high standards of security and safety. Shuttle buses will convey athletes to their venues daily, and we will ensure the roads are clear for them during the games.

“We are excited to host the NSF and aim to make Gateway 2024 a benchmark for future games because, as the Gateway State, we want to lead while others follow,” the Governor said.

Abiodun also mentioned that the state government would use this opportunity to build a sports economy for the state. “Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” he said.