Olympics: Lagos SWAN, NDLEA, Defence Hqs, Nigeria Police Set To Hold Symposium On Drugs Abuse

<strong><em>Olatutu Oladunni, Chairman, Lagos SWAN </em></strong>

On Thursday, 30 May 2024, all roads lead to the prestigious Golfview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State, venue of the second edition of the national symposium being organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos chapter with active collaboration from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Defence Headquarters, Nigeria Police, NAFDAC, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Sports Commission and other relevant agencies in the country on the danger of using illicit and enhance drugs in sports.

Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Olatutu Oladunni disclosed that this symposium is coming few weeks to Nigeria’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the aim of sensitizing Team Nigeria athletes and their officials of the inherent disadvantages of spicing up ones system in order to take advantage over other athletes to win laurels.

“This symposium is coming in line with the commemoration of International Olympic Committee, IOC, World Anti-Doping Agency, International Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and Word Health Organization, WHO, on securing the environment via international diplomacy, security dialogue and advocacy against use of illicit substances and initiating good collaborations with security agencies to help in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

“We in SWAN Lagos chapter believes that the “one voice ” from the institutions in the global community will enhance a safe healthy environment for all and to the sports community in respective domains.

“That was the reason Lagos SWAN under my leadership launched in September 2023 in partnership with NDLEA, NAFDAC, Lagos State Ministry of Health and Nigerian Breweries with the area of focus in sports Security from global perspective, launched this symposium,” Oladunni said.

The theme of this year’s edition is Sports Diplomacy/Security and Health.

The 2024 edition of the campaign serves as a full preparation for Team Nigeria and its contingents at various capacities ahead the 2024 World Olympics scheduled for Paris, France in July.

The program, which starts by 10am, will also have an Induction Ceremony for all new members of Lagos SWAN as they will be presented to other colleagues.

Oladunni said that guests speakers will be drawn from the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, Nigeria Armed Forces, Diplomatic and Consulate Missions, Aviation chiefs, sports stakeholders, political office holders and a host of others.