From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In preparation to the upcoming National sports festival in Bayelsa, November this year, Nasarawa state government under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has organised a sensitization workshop to lecture athletes on the danger of using Performance Enhancing Substance (Doping)
Declaring the sensitization programme open on Thursday at the Abacha Youth Centre Lafia, commissioner for youth and sports development, Lucky Yargwa who appreciated the organisers of the programme even as it is coming at a time when Nigerians are still celebrating the performance of athletes who won medals for the country at the just concluded Commonwealth games in Bermigham city.
He said athletics welfare is his priority as he had promised when he assumed office as the commissioner that he would improve the take home pay and other benefits entitled to them which he confirmed has been achieved.
On the facility for trainings, he reiterated his commitment to ensure that the Lafia city stadium which is under renovation is complete in due time as he raised concern about the way the contractors are handling the project, but promised to ensure that the project is completed
He further said he would ensure that the coaches and everyone involved in the process of the renewal of their contract be treated fairly adding that the packages will not be the tempered with.
“I can assure you as you sign new contract with the state ministry, your package will be improved and whatever that will make you perform we are ready to help you get them.”
He however, advised the athletes not to engage in any substance in-take as it has destroyed a lot of great athletes while urging them to pay attention to the lectures from the various resource persons.
On his part, Director, research and planning, Mr. Ubba Musa stressed that it is the first the ministry is organising such feat prior to a competition.
Ubba said the sensitization programme will go along way in educating the athletes on the dangers of doping and how it could be avoided.