May 9, 2023
The hope of former Nigerian track and field star Blessing Okagbare clearing her name of doping and returning to the sport received a big boost on Monday after therapist Eric Lira pleaded guilty at the American court in Texas.
Okagbare was banned for 10 years after she was found guilty of using banned drugs.
Lira was found to have supplied drugs to Okagbare in the build-up to the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
US Attorney Damian Williams said Monday after Lira pleaded guilty in a federal court in Manhattan that the case was a “watershed moment for international sport.”
“Lira provided banned performance-enhancing substances to Olympic athletes who wanted to corruptly gain a competitive edge,” Williams said.
“Such craven efforts to undermine the integrity of sport subverts the purpose of the Olympic games: to showcase athletic excellence through a level playing field.
“Lira’s efforts to pervert that goal will not go unpunished.”
US anti-doping officials welcomed Lira’s conviction, noting that it was only made possible by the recently enacted law.
“Without this law, Lira, who held himself out as a doctor to athletes, likely would have escaped consequence for his distribution of dangerous performance-enhancing drugs and his conspiracy to defraud the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games because he did not fall under any sport anti-doping rules,” said Travis Tygart, the chief executive of the United States Anti-Doping Agency, a nonprofit”, AFP confirmed.
May 5, 2023
Italian giants, Napoli have won their first Serie A title after 33 years, as they drew with Udinese at Dacia Arena to spark jubilant celebrations back home in Naples.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen smashed in a 52nd-minute equaliser after Sandi Lovric had given Udinese a shock lead in the 13th minute.
Napoli held on to the end of the game to secure the lone point needed to win their third ever Scudetto title with five games to spare.
“Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of that joy they are feeling,” Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti said.
“These people will look to this moment when life gets hard, they have every right to celebrate like this.
“You feel a bit more relaxed knowing that you’ve given them this moment of happiness.”
Napoli’s previous two titles came in the days of Argentina legend Maradona – who their stadium is now named after – in 1987 and 1990.
May 4, 2023
Nigeria’s delegation to the just concluded U18 and U20 African Athletics Championship in Ndola, Zambia have returne to commendation from the authorities.
The athletes won 17 gold, 10 silver and nine bronze medals to finish in second place on the medal table behind South Africa.
Nigeria competed at the Meet with 42 athletes while South Africa presented over a hundred athletes for the competition.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare had implored the athletes to stay focused and disciplined, and to continue to pay attention to their careers so that opportunities to represent the country in bigger competitions can come their way.
Nigeria’s second place finish in Zambia is an improvement on her third-place finish at the previous edition of the championship held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
May 3, 2023
In an era where information flows like never before, Press Freedom Day is observed worldwide today, highlighting the indispensable role of independent journalism in upholding democracy, transparency, and accountability. This annual celebration serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights of journalists to report freely without fear of repression or censorship.
Across the globe, media organizations, human rights activists, and journalists themselves have united to commemorate the occasion and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the press in fulfilling its crucial mandate. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights,” underlines the importance of unrestricted access to information in the digital age.
Press Freedom Day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the significance of a free press and the necessary safeguards that must be put in place to ensure its continuous protection. It is a day to recognize the dedication and courage of journalists who risk their lives to bring crucial stories to light, often in dangerous and hostile environments.
In many parts of the world, journalists face a multitude of obstacles, including harassment, intimidation, violence, and even imprisonment, simply for doing their jobs. Attacks on press freedom undermine democracy and hinder societies’ progress, preventing the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information that is essential for making informed decisions.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of reliable and responsible journalism. In the face of the crisis, journalists played a vital role in disseminating accurate information, debunking myths, and holding authorities accountable for their actions. However, they also faced challenges such as the spread of misinformation and increasing attacks on their credibility.
On this Press Freedom Day, numerous initiatives and events are being organized globally to promote dialogue, awareness, and action to defend and strengthen the freedom of the press. It serves as a platform to discuss emerging threats to journalism, including digital censorship, surveillance, and the spread of disinformation.
Governments, media organizations, and civil society are called upon to uphold and safeguard the principles of press freedom. They are urged to protect journalists, ensure their safety, and promote an enabling environment that fosters independent journalism, free from political interference or economic pressures.
As citizens, we have a responsibility to support a free press by consuming news from reputable sources, engaging in critical thinking, and actively advocating for press freedom. A robust and independent media is the cornerstone of democracy, enabling us to hold power accountable and ensure transparency in our societies.
On this Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to defending the right to free expression and ensuring the unrestricted flow of information. By standing together, we can protect journalists, preserve press freedom, and safeguard the values that underpin our democratic societies.
Adebayo A. Samuel Writes from Uyo, Nigeria.
