Sports
Eko 2012: Dope Tests To Be Conducted Overseas
The Medical Sub-committee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos has said that dope test on athletes would be conducted overseas.
Chief Medical Officer with the sub-committee, Dr Akin Judge, told newsmen in Lagos that the tests had to go abroad because there had not been approval to do it in Nigeria.
“Equipping the laboratory or building the facility is not the problem because we have it but getting the international recognition to carry out the test is,’’ Judge said.
He said that the Main Organising Committee (MOC) in conjunction with National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), an affiliate of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), was in charge of tests
He disclosed that NADA at the instance of the MOC last week conducted screening for medical personnel that would take the athlete’s blood samples before and during the event.
The medical officer, who declined to disclose the country where the tests would be carried out, said the host state would only provide medical facilities.
He noted that athletes had been briefed through their states Directors of Sports on the dangers of being involved with performance enhancing substances.
Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex, Yaba and the National Stadium, Surulere have standard doping control facilities.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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