- Tinubu’s Sports Agenda Powering NIS Reforms – Shaibu
- Says the current administration has demonstrated strong commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment
- Shaibu admitted that his appointment as DG of the NIS was met with scepticism
The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, has attributed ongoing reforms at the institute to the renewed drive for sports development under President Bola Tinubu, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Shaibu spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while receiving a delegation that presented him with a letter of nomination for an award by NEWSTAP and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
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According to him, the current administration has demonstrated strong commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, national unity and economic diversification.
“I want to thank Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for consistently showing interest in funding and developing Nigerian sports and using it as a vehicle to empower the youth, unite Nigeria, and diversify the economy,” Shaibu said.
He added that the President had issued a clear directive to restore Nigerian sports to global prominence, a mandate the NIS is determined to fulfil.
The former Deputy Governor of Edo State said his passion for sports predates politics, recalling the revitalisation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the development of mini stadia across Edo as part of efforts to boost grassroots sports.
Shaibu admitted that his appointment as DG of the NIS was met with scepticism, particularly from critics of Nigeria’s sports administration.
“When I was appointed, I was told I was one of those who criticised the system. They said, ‘Now you have the opportunity; let’s see how you will run it.’ I came and met a wilderness. It was tough at the beginning,” he said.
He disclosed that he convened stakeholders to examine the institute’s challenges, leading to the development of a 10-year strategic plan aimed at restoring its relevance.
“Sports is a business, but if we put money first, we will miss it. If we put ideas and structure first, we will get it right. Nigeria must come before material gains,” he added.
Earlier, NEWSTAP and SWAN, led by George Aluo, said the award was in recognition of Shaibu’s leadership, resilience and reforms at the NIS, as well as his contributions to sports development in Edo State.
Responding, Shaibu expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to institutional reforms in line with the President’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria’s sporting excellence.
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