NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
Imo Urges Athletes to Shun Doping Ahead of 22nd National Sports Festival
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
A seven-member management team has been inaugurated to manage the Rivers State contingent’s participation at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Edo State.
Former Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, who has served four terms in that role, was named chairman of the committee charged with overseeing the preparations and welfare of Team Rivers for the regional multi-sport event, tagged Edo 2026.
Other members of the team are Professor Ken Anugweje, Comrade Emma Ndah, Obia Inyengiyikabo and Awele Salubi, while Emmanuel Jaja will serve as the committee’s secretary. Veteran sports journalist Sammy Wejinya was also appointed Media Head and Director of Communications of the team.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Green urged members of the committee to deploy their vast experience and expertise to ensure that the Rivers State contingent performs creditably at the games.
“Only the best in their respective fields have been selected to serve in the team, and I want to use this opportunity to charge all the appointed members to bring their wealth of experience to bear as we open yet another vista in the chapter of sports in Rivers State,” Green said.
The 2026 Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, will be held in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026.
The games are expected to feature competitions in 17 sports, with events taking place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other designated venues across the host city.
The Niger Delta Games bring together athletes from states in the oil-producing region and are aimed at promoting sports development, unity and youth engagement across the Niger Delta.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Leadership of the Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) has joined others in mourning the 22 athletes of Kano State who died on their way back from the just concluded National Sports Festival.
In a statement signed by its president, Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo, the association remarked that it received with shock the news of the fatal motor accident that claimed the lives of the 22 Kano State athletes.
“The purpose of this message is to express deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic accident.
“Africa Sports Management Association (ASMA) leadership commiserate with the National Sports Commission, the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Kano State Governor and the Kano State Sports Commission, Ogun State Governor and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the entire Nigerian sports community “, the statement concluded.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, has expressed condolences to the Kano State Government. They expressed sympathy for the tragic incident involving members of the Kano State contingent. These members were returning home after participating in the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.
A bus conveying the athletes was said to have been involved in a crash at the Dakatsalle Bridge in the Kura Local Government area of Kano State after passing Kaduna state, claiming the lives of 21 athletes.
The Executive Secretary of the LOC, Dr Kweku A. Tandoh, remarked: “We are saddened by this incident, particularly with the death of these young people, budding stars who had a lot to give the country with their talent, skills, and creativity in sports.
“Words cannot adequately express the sorrow the LOC feels at this loss.
“We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the departed ones, and we pray that God will comfort the families.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON1 week ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- DIPLOMACY3 days ago
Trump calls on Australia to give asylum to Iranian women’s soccer players
- DIPLOMACY4 days ago
Morocco Backs Gulf Security, Condemns Iranian Attacks Against Brotherly Arab States
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Breaking! Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies Four Days After Clocking 88
- World Cup4 days ago
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Nigeria’s Sports Community Mourns Adegboye Onigbinde, A Life Devoted to Football
- OBITUARY1 week ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- World Cup4 days ago
1990 World Cup Winner Riedle Backs Spain, France, Brazil for 2026 Glory