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| NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa. |
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, have agreed to partner on the conduct of drug test for footballers in the country as part of efforts to curb the menace of substance abuse in Nigeria.
This was one of the
highpoints of discussions between the leadership of the Agency and the football
league when the Chairman of the NPFL board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye led a
delegation including ex-international, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Sokoto
State Football Association, Mohammed Saidu Nasiru; Chief Operating Officer of
the NPFL, Davidson Owumi and Head of Legal, NPFL, Uche George Egbe on a
courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen
Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja on Friday 8th March 2024.
In his remarks, Elegbeleye
acknowledged the inspiring and impactful leadership Marwa has given NDLEA to
become a frontline law enforcement agency now respected home and abroad. He
said the activities of the agency have not only raised national awareness about
the drug scourge but have equally curbed the impunity of drug cartels and
barons.
He said part of the problems
facing the sports industry in the country especially football is betting and
use of performance enhancing drugs by footballers. He said he has to reach out
to the agency for partnership to salvage the situation. “The only agency that
can save this situation is NDLEA by working with us to carry out random drug
test on our players. Once they know we conduct drug test, they will refrain
from abuse of illicit substances. This is why we seek the support and
partnership with NDLEA”, Elegbeleye stated.
In his response, Marwa
commended the NPFL boss for his giant strides and innovations to build the
football league. He assured that the agency won’t relent in its offensive
action against drug cartels in the country. He expressed the willingness of
NDLEA to partner with NPFL to curb abuse of illicit substances by footballers.
“We are happy with your
request for random drug test for players. This is available in all our commands
nationwide and we are ready to work with you in this respect. We are very ready
to collaborate and support you in your quest”, Marwa stated.
He said the league should
also consider mobilizing star footballers to get involved in open advocacy
against drug abuse because a lot of youths look up to them as role models.
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