NPFL, NDLEA teams up to combat drug abuse
The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, reiterated on Friday the resolve to enforce zero tolerance for substance abuse by players and fans.
In a press statement made available to Made In Africa Sport, the procurement of Dope Test kits was the first step by the NPFL to signal its plans to stamp out substance use in the league. Sports Medicine experts, led by Dr. Akinwunmi Amao, had earlier this season commenced random testing of players using the kits imported from England.
The NPFL has also been displaying anti-drug use messages on field perimeter boards during matches as part of its campaign to create awareness among players and fans.
During a visit to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Elegbeleye told the Director General, General (rtd) Buba Marwa, that a collaboration between the two bodies will give stronger impetus to the campaign to keep illicit substances out of football.
“Part of the challenges of sports in our country is drug abuse, and we recognize that with your leadership, the agency has played an inspiring and impactful role in the fight to rid the larger society of illicit drugs.
“The NDLEA can assist us in achieving zero tolerance for substance abuse by working with us to carry out random drug tests and organize orientation sessions to sensitize players and fans on the dangers of drug use and abuse.
“Once they know that they can be tested, they would refrain from the use of illicit substances,” Elegbeleye stated.
In his response, Marwa praised Elegbeleye for purposeful leadership that has repositioned the league and expressed the agency’s willingness to partner with the NPFL in efforts to keep the league clean of unhealthy substances.
“I have followed the domestic league and have noted the remarkable innovations you have been introducing to develop the NPFL.
“The NDLEA is ready to support you in the fight against drug use, just as the agency does not relent in the offensive action against illicit drugs in the country,” Marwa responded.
Other members of the NPFL Board on the entourage of the Chairman were Dr. Mohammed Nasiru, Daniel Amokachi, the Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, and the Head of Legal and Compliance, Uche Egbe.
