Sport

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.

Sport

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan says she’s ready to defend her title after the news of her clearance by the Disciplinary Tribunal on allegations of doping violations.

Amusan set a new world record when she ran 12.12 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA.

The 26-year-old hurdles queen maintained she’s not a drug cheat and will always be an “ally of clean sport”.

Amusan was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in May for missing three out-of-competition tests within a 12-month period.

On Thursday, the Disciplinary Tribunal ruled that Amusan has not committed any offence and her “provisional suspension has now been lifted with immediate effect.”

“This morning, (evening in Nigeria) I found out that the Independent Tribunal that heard my case has ruled that I did not violate the whereabouts rules and as a result, I will not be sanctioned and none of my results will be precluded,” Amusan said in an Instagram post.

“I am thrilled to put this behind me, and I look forward to defending my title at the World Championships. I generally have been and consistently will be an ally of clean sport.

“To my five fingers; God is the greatest and genuinely appreciate you all for the support.”

The 2023 World Athletics Championship will take place between August 19 and 27 in Budapest, Hungary.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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