Renowned ex-sprinter and veteran sports journalist, Mr. Hammed Adio, has issued a stark warning about the perils of drug use in athletics, emphasizing the potential for disgrace, dehumanization, and career destruction.
In a candid statement, Adio urged athletes to reject performance-enhancing drugs and embrace clean sportsmanship to avoid lasting shame and repercussions.
Drawing from personal experiences and societal observations, Adio attributed the allure of illicit drugs to faulty parental upbringing and societal pressures.
However, he recalled his father’s stern warnings against drug use, highlighting the pivotal role of parental guidance in steering children away from harmful habits.
Expressing concern over the lack of parental mentorship in today’s society, Adio lamented the prioritization of money and social status over moral values.
Meanwhile, he called for a return to traditional values of discipline and integrity, urging parents to actively engage in shaping their children’s behavior.
Furthermore, Adio highlighted the detrimental influence of coaches who promote drug use among athletes, citing a recent incident in Kwara State where such misconduct threatened the integrity of track and field sports.
He urged stakeholders in the sports industry to remain vigilant and address the actions of unscrupulous individuals to safeguard the integrity of sports.
Adio’s impassioned plea underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat drug abuse in athletics and preserve the purity of competitive sports. As the sporting community grapples with these challenges, Adio’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding ethics and fair play in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
