By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State Government is seeking to  eradicate the use of drugs and its abuse among athletes to have a drug free festival as the state prepares for the multi sport event.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the team from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA  led by the State Commandant, Mr Tijani Rabe.

Mr Isiaka pointed out that the National Sports Festival was not just a national event, but also a tournament of unity and togetherness,.

He expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with the NDLEA to achieve a common goal of having a drug-free festival.

The commissioner emphasized the need for sporting activities to be void of drugs and other banned or illegal substances.

Earlier, the State Commandant, Commander of Narcotics, Mr Tijani Rabe had submitted that though the Agency and the Ministry of Sports Development had been walls apart, the courtesy visit would help in bringing the two institution together for growth.

He stated that the collaboration with the Ministry would be a game-changer to dissuade athletes, coaches and officials from the use and abuse of drugs, adding that his agency was ready to train and re-train the state athletes so as to have a fair tournament.