At Lagos SWAN, NDLEA, Nigeria Police’s Sports Diplomacy Symposium, Stakeholders Call For More Robust Anti-drug Measures

AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE

The need for Nigerian athletes and youth in the country to have a unified voice against illegal substance use in order to have a healthy environment was once again highlighted at the recent national symposium organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter together with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Army Headquarters, Nigerian Police Force, Lagos State Sports Commission and other institutions in the country.

Speakers at the one-day event held at the popular Golfview Hotel & Conference Centre, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, agreed that the sharp rise in illicit drug use among youths was alarming. While the leaders of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Police and other institutions were praised in the fight against drugs in the country, Nigerians were also asked to see the war as a collective war.

DCN Chinyerem Eziaghhihala, Deputy Commander, Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, while speaking on the theme “NDLEA, a Tool for an Enhanced Nigeria”, expressed concern that the pandemic has affected all sectors of Nigerian society, adding that marijuana is being widely used with both male and female youth actively participate.

She said NDLEA is fulfilling its two broad mandates: Drug Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction, the war is slowly being defeated compared to what could be found in the past.

Lagos SWAN chairman, Olatutu Oladunni (left) presenting award of honour to Lagos CP, Adegoke Fayoade

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who is also a co-convener of the symposium touched upon the role of the Nigerian Police Force in the development of sports in Nigeria. According to him, there is an organic relationship between the Nigerian Police and the development of sports because the police have been instrumental in making sports in the country a reality through many police officers who have represented the country in international events and made the nation proud by winning medals.

CP Fayoade said NPF plays an important role in the development of the country’s sports in various ways, including providing sports equipment, collaborating with the National Sports Federation and providing security for sporting events and 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, noted in her presentation that regular exercise is the only way to continue improving their game.

Dr Folasire said: “Doping may provide a quick fix, but it is a scam, plain 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 survival of people is determined by reliable and structured security and a safe environment gives guaranteed hope for progress, hope and peace but enhances healthy living

“The resulting influence in the progressive character and sports brand has now become a religion that unites races, colours and status.

“It has been determined in recent years that the great powers that unite the country in existence, peace and development are built on security and foreign relations and that this cannot be achieved without foreign relations.

“The International Olympic Committee, IOC, World Anti-Doping Agency, International Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Word Health Organization, WHO, are helping to protect the environment by advocating against illegal drugs and establishing good partnerships with security agencies.

“We organized this symposium in the fight against drugs and drug trafficking and I am very happy that it was a great success,” SWAN chairman said.