OYSSC, NDLEA Zone 9 Unite to Commemorate 2026 World Drug Day with Athletes' Sensitisation Programme

OYSSC, NDLEA Zone 9 Unite to Commemorate 2026 World Drug Day with Athletes' Sensitisation Programme

The Oyo State Sports Council (OYSSC), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Zone 9, commemorated the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a comprehensive drug awareness and sensitisation programme held at the Main Bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The event, which commenced promptly at 10:00 a.m., brought together athletes, coaches, sports officers, administrative staff, allied personnel, and officials of the NDLEA from Oyo and Osun State Commands. 

The programme was organised to educate members of the sporting community on the dangers of drug abuse, promote clean sports, and reinforce the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices. The annual observance, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, seeks to strengthen global cooperation and collective action towards achieving a society free from drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The programme began with an opening prayer, followed by the introduction of dignitaries by the Director of Organisation, Dr. Vivian Ohanele. She welcomed the management team of the Oyo State Sports Council led by the General Manager, Mrs. Olubisi Jejelola Adegoke, alongside directors and deputy directors. The NDLEA delegation, led by the Zonal Commander, ACGN Obaniyi Sylvester Adeoye, was also introduced, accompanied by senior officers including CN Oresegun Monsumola Adunni, DCN Sanni Oluwaranti, and other officers and personnel of NDLEA Zone 9.

In her welcome address, the General Manager of the Oyo State Sports Council, Mrs. Olubisi Jejelola Adegoke, expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering commitment to sports development and continuous investment in the welfare of athletes, coaches, and sports administrators across the state. She noted that the Governor's support has continued to position Oyo State among the leading sporting states in Nigeria.

She also commended the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, for her dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to youth and sports development. Mrs. Adegoke appreciated the Commissioner for creating the opportunity for the NDLEA to engage directly with athletes and sports personnel on the dangers of drug abuse. She further seized the occasion to celebrate the Honourable Commissioner on her birthday, wishing her continued good health, wisdom, and greater achievements in public service.

The General Manager urged athletes to shun hard drugs and all forms of performance enhancing substances capable of destroying promising careers and damaging their reputation. 

She stressed that sporting excellence is built on discipline, commitment, hard work, consistent training, and sacrifice rather than shortcuts through illegal substances. 

According to her, drug abuse not only endangers physical and mental health but also tarnishes the image of athletes, their teams, the organisations they represent, and the state as a whole.

Speaking on behalf of the NDLEA, CN Oresegun Monsumola Adunni highlighted the significance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and unveiled the official 2026 global theme:

"The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses."

She explained that despite the tireless efforts of government and law enforcement agencies, the fight against drug abuse requires the active participation of every individual and organisation. She encouraged athletes to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign by making responsible choices, educating their peers, and serving as positive role models within their communities.

Addressing the athletes, she warned against the use of prohibited substances and performance enhancing drugs, noting that while such substances may appear to provide temporary advantages, they often result in long term health complications, disciplinary sanctions, and the abrupt end of sporting careers.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Officer Ogungbemiro George Tosin, who spoke extensively on the theme, "Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses." During his presentation, he explained how curiosity, peer pressure, social influence, and the desire to improve performance often lure young people into experimenting with drugs, which may eventually lead to addiction and lifelong consequences.

He emphasised the importance of understanding anti-doping regulations and advised athletes to exercise caution when taking medications and nutritional supplements. According to him, not every supplement available on the market is approved for athletes, and ignorance of anti-doping rules is never accepted as an excuse during competitions.

Using internationally recognised sports personalities such as André Onana, Paul Pogba, and the late Diego Maradona as examples, he illustrated the severe consequences of drug-related offences in sports and the lasting damage they can have on professional careers.

Officer Tosin further explained that the use of prohibited substances without proper medical documentation constitutes a violation of anti-doping regulations and could attract severe sanctions. He highlighted the physical, psychological, emotional, financial, and career implications of substance abuse, including mental health disorders, kidney damage, loss of sponsorship opportunities, suspension from competitions, and permanent damage to personal reputation. He urged participants to carefully read medication labels, seek professional medical advice before taking any drug or supplement, and always prioritise their health over short-term performance gains.

The lecture was followed by an interactive question and answer session during which athletes, coaches, and sports officials sought clarification on anti-doping regulations, medication use, dietary supplements, and drug prevention strategies. The NDLEA officials provided detailed responses, making the session both informative and engaging.

DCN Sanni Oluwaranti also encouraged athletes to remain committed to drug-free sports while urging coaches to continue mentoring and monitoring their athletes. She also appealed to sports administrators to partner more closely with the NDLEA during grassroots talent identification programmes in schools and communities through the Agency's "Catch Them Young" initiative, aimed at preventing drug abuse among young Nigerians.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support for youth and sports development and thanked the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, for approving the use of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex for the programme. 

She also joined participants in celebrating the Commissioner's birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.

The programme concluded on a highly successful note, with participants expressing appreciation for the knowledge gained and reaffirming their commitment to promoting clean sports, healthy living, and drug-free communities. Athletes pledged to become advocates against drug abuse by sharing the lessons learnt with their teammates, peers, and communities.

Votes of thanks were delivered by representatives of the coaches and athletes, who expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Sports Council, the NDLEA, and all stakeholders for organising an impactful and timely programme. 

The event ended with a renewed commitment by all participants to continue promoting integrity, discipline, fair play, and excellence in sports while supporting the collective fight against drug abuse.

Credit Source:

Ayobami Fakorede

Media Officer

Oyo State Sports Council

June 26, 2026