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NSF 2024: AFN Organizes Anti-Doping Seminar for Junior Athletes Ahead of Gateway Games

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With the 22nd National Sports Festival just days away in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken proactive steps to educate junior athletes on the dangers of doping.

On Wednesday in Abuja, the federation held a one-day anti-doping sensitization seminar aimed at enlightening the young athletes on global anti-doping rules and the long-term consequences of using banned substances.

Speaking at the seminar, former Director of Sports Medicine at the National Sports Commission, Dr. Paul Onyeudo (Rtd), urged the athletes to embrace clean sports practices.

He warned that taking performance-enhancing drugs could jeopardize their careers and reputations.

“We are telling you all this at an early stage so you get used to it and won’t be misled into taking substances that could damage your future,” Dr. Onyeudo said.

“Always seek guidance from coaches and medical professionals before taking any medication.”

AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, also addressed the participants, emphasizing discipline and consistent training as the only paths to success in athletics.

“There is no shortcut to the top. Anyone who tells you to take substances for an edge is only trying to destroy your future,” Onikeku stated.

“Use the knowledge gained here to guide your choices as you work toward becoming champions.”

In his remarks, junior team captain Gift Brown thanked the AFN for the initiative, noting that the seminar had provided valuable insights the athletes would apply as they prepare for the games.

The junior athletes are expected to compete as a symbolic “37th state” at the National Sports Festival — a concept introduced by the National Sports Commission to expose emerging talents to the rigors of elite competition.

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Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

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The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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