Everight Laboratory, AFSA Sign MoU to Drive FCT’s Athletes Healthcare System in Sports
By Joel Ajayi
Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services has entered into a strategic partnership with the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Associations (AFSA) aimed at strengthening the healthcare system for athletes in the FCT.
The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Thursday in Abuja, is designed to improve athletes’ access to quality medical services, including mental health support, early diagnosis, and continuous health monitoring.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services, Dr. Everest Okpara, highlighted the urgent need to address healthcare gaps affecting athletes across Nigeria.
He lamented that many promising talents are lost not due to lack of skill, but because of weak healthcare systems, particularly in mental health and preventive care.
“Our athletes face a lot. Some have underlying health conditions that go undetected. If diagnosed early, many of these challenges could be managed or prevented,” he said.
Dr. Okpara noted that leading sporting nations prioritize preventive healthcare and performance science, stressing that Nigeria must adopt similar measures to remain competitive globally.
He explained that the partnership with AFSA will provide a structured platform for athletes in the FCT and beyond to access essential healthcare services that will enhance both performance and long-term wellbeing.
“This initiative is about building a healthier sports ecosystem where athletes can thrive, compete globally, and sustain their careers,” he added.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara who is AFSA Board of Trustees represented by Hon. Albert Atsonka, commended Everight Diagnostic for its vision and commitment to national development.
Atsonka described the facility as a centre of excellence and noted that such investments in healthcare infrastructure would help reduce medical tourism while strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
He said the MoU represents a significant step toward improving athlete welfare and advancing sports development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This partnership goes beyond business; it is a contribution to national growth. Everght’s name will be remembered in the history of sports development in the FCT,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General of AFSA, Mr. Clinton Agbor, described the partnership as timely and essential, particularly in addressing challenges such as doping, poor medical records, and inadequate athlete preparation.
He explained that AFSA, which oversees 48 sporting associations, is committed to grassroots development and believes early medical screening is key to nurturing young talents.
“We must start from the grassroots. Athletes with proper medical history and care perform better. Many opportunities are lost due to failed medical tests, especially for players seeking contracts abroad,” he said.
Agbor added that the partnership would also offer subsidized healthcare services to athletes, sports officials, and journalists, while promoting health education and fitness awareness.
He revealed that the agreement, expected to last for an initial three years, will focus on comprehensive healthcare delivery, anti-doping awareness, and long-term athlete development.
The MoU marks a major step toward integrating healthcare into sports development in the FCT, with a strong emphasis on prevention, performance, and longevity—key elements needed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive force in global sports.