Nasarawa Sensitizes Athletes On Dangers Of Doping

In preparation for the up coming National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta State in November, the Nasarawa State government under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has organised a sensitization workshop to lecture athletes on the danger of using performance-enhancing substances (doping)
Declaring the sensitization programme open yesterday at the Abacha Youth Centre Lafia, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lucky Yargwa, appreciated the organisers of the programme even as it is coming at a time when Nigerians are still celebrating the performance of athletes who won medals for the country at the just concluded Commonwealth games in Birmingham city.
He said that athletes welfare remains his priority as he had promised when he assumed office as the Commissioner that he would improve the take-home pay and other benefits entitled to them which he confirmed have been achieved.
On the facility for training, he reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Lafia city stadium which is under renovation is complete in due time as he raised concern about the way the contractors are handling the project but promised to ensure that the project is completed.
He further said he would ensure that the coaches and everyone involved in the process of the renewal of their contract be treated fairly adding that the packages will not be tampered with.
“I can assure you as you sign new contract with the state ministry, your package will be improved and whatever that will make you perform we are ready to help you get them.”
He, however, advised the athletes not to engage in any substance in-take as it has destroyed a lot of great athletes while urging them to pay attention to the lectures from the various resource persons.
On his part, Director, Research and Planning, Mr Ubba Musa stressed that it is the first time the ministry wais organising such a programme prior to a competition.
Ubba said the sensitisation programme will go a long way in educating the athletes on the dangers of doping and how it could be avoided.