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Sports Ministry Educate, Stakeholders On Anti-Doping

Published

6 years ago

May 2, 2019

Sports Ministry Educate, Stakeholders On Anti-Doping

Joel Ajayi

In its bid to step-up the fight against the issue of doping among the athletes, especially as 2019 African Games in Morocco is far approaching the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Thursday gathered the federation’s Presidents, Secretaries and Technical Directors on the proper enlightenment, education in the area of preventive anti-doping.

The Seminar themed ‘Strategic Re-Positioning of Result Oriented National Sports Federations and Effective Preparation /Participation at the 2019 Games has resource persons from the National Anti- Doping Committee NADC who will be discussing issues concerning National Sports Federations’ compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards.

While declaring the 2 days anti-doping stakeholder’s seminar in Abuja open, the Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr Adesola Olusade said that the best way to address the issue of doping is through education and proper enlightenment.

According to him, one of the best ways to address the issue of doping among athletes is through education and enlightenment.

“This workshop is put together to step up the level of enlightenment to presidents, Secretaries and in particular the Technical Directors to the recent development of the WADA for them to pass the message down to athletes because they are in charge of the athletes.

“Another objective is that ensure that the Presidents of the federations are on the same level with the ministry so that every stakeholder can combat this same issue.

“Indeed, this seminar is significant as it highlights the commitment of the Ministry and the NADC to reposition Nigeria’s National Anti-Doping Program and sustain the gains of efforts made in securing Nigeria’s reinstatement by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as a code compliant signatory in February this year.

“You may recall that on the 11^th of November,2018 Nigeria was delisted by WADA on the grounds that our National Anti-Doping Program was deficient in certain critical areas and therefore, not code compliant.”

He added: “It is on the promise to sustain the momentum of efforts that is seminar is organized to ensure that the issue of anti-doping is brought to bear and that key stakeholders who form the core of athlete support personnel are equipped with relevant and necessary anti-doping knowledge that would enable them to understand their responsibilities and effectively play their role in the fight against doping in sports.

“The task to achieve this cannot be left alone to the National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), the NADC. Indeed, the WADA Code provides that an effective National Anti-Doping Program should be supported by all stakeholders with each playing their respective roles in the scheme of activities.”

He encouraged the participants to understand the importance of the seminar and use it to educate the Athletes.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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