More information has emerged on why the zonal commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ilorin, CN Fatimah Abiola Popoola recently took an awareness campaign to the camp of Kwara United FC.
Sports247.ng reports that the explanation was provided by CN Popoola herself, as she revealed that it is imperative of the agency to take their message about the dangers of hard drugs directly to football players and officials.
Popoola added that young people are most prone to becoming addicted to drugs and, since many of them are involved in sports, the campaign would have a bigger impact inside their camp.
She added in the wake of the anti-drugs lecture that took place at Stadium Hotel, Ilorin: “The people involved in sports are young people and the population of people who use drugs the most are also young people.
“So, it’s important to talk to young people directly, especially those ones in sports, to desist from drug use.”
While explaining that the campaign was about three aspects of drug consumption – use, misuse and abuse – Popoola added that the outcome of the visit to The Afonja Warriors’ camp was gratifying.
“I am elated that we have spoken to Kwara United players and sportsmen about the problems of drugs,” she affirmed.
“It’s a big deal for us, and I am very happy that the interactive session went well.
“The players were eager to know more about drugs; and we let them know that drug is something that hinders progress.”
Popoola continued by emphasising how abuse of drugs scuttles sports talents and it would most often debar success in the sporting arena.
“For people who are involved in sports to be using drugs, it would bring about lack of success.
“So, we brought the message here because we want this team to succeed. Kwara United is a good team and a wonderful team.
“Talking to them about drug use and drug abuse is something that is important. This makes them to be aware of the problems of drugs and how it can disturb or destroy peoples’ success.
“The lecture is important to them, and they are now more aware of the problems of drugs in the society.
“They are more aware of the dangers that drugs can pose to people in sports,” she stressed.
The Kwara State NDLEA commandant ended with an expression of hope that the campaign at the Ilorin-based Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit will leave long-term positive effects in the team and extend to a large number of sports people.
Popoola enthused, “My general message to sports men and women is that what they are doing is very important and very lucrative.
“A lot of young men and women across the world are making it big through sports, but drug can stop this success.
“It can stop the progress of sports. So, let’s desist from this problem of drug abuse,” Popoola submitted.
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