The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has anchored his reform agenda for Nigerian sports on what he described as the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Speaking Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation that formally presented him with a nomination letter for an award, Shaibu said the current administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic vehicle for youth empowerment, national unity and economic diversification.

 

According to him, President Tinubu’s interest in sports development transcends rhetoric, noting that the National Sports Commission and its agencies are now receiving improved attention and funding.

 

“I want to thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for always 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 stated.

 

He added that the President has given a clear directive to restore Nigerian sports to global prominence — a mandate he said the NIS is determined to fulfill through structural reforms and long-term planning.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State maintained that his passion for sports predates politics. Reflecting on his tenure overseeing sports in Edo, Shaibu recalled the transformation of the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the development of several mini stadia across the state as deliberate efforts to revive grassroots sports.

 

He said the projects were designed to create accessible platforms for young talents while restoring pride in local sporting infrastructure.

 

“We’re happy that the little we have done is being noticed,” he said, emphasizing that sports had always been his first love, dating back to his school days. Politics, he noted, merely provided a platform to confront systemic lapses and advocate structured growth within the sector.

On his appointment as DG of NIS, Shaibu acknowledged facing skepticism, particularly from critics who remembered his outspoken views on Nigeria’s sports administration.

 

“When I was appointed, I was told I was one of those who had criticized 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 admitted.

 

Rather than dwell on challenges, he said he opted for immediate action — beginning with renovating office spaces to create a conducive work environment instead of waiting for federal allocations.

 

Shaibu dismissed suggestions that his appointment was a demotion from his previous office as Deputy Governor, insisting that public service is about impact, not titles.

 

“If the President finds you worthy out of over 200 million Nigerians, who am I to say no? Any position you are called to serve your country is recognition,” he remarked.

 

Upon assumption of office, he convened stakeholders and NIS management to interrogate the causes of the Institute’s past struggles. The outcome, he disclosed, was a comprehensive 10-year strategic development plan aimed at restoring institutional 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 said.

Earlier, NEWSTAP and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by George Aluo, formally presented Shaibu with a letter detailing their decision to honour him.

 

The group said the award recognizes his resilience, visionary leadership and bold reforms at the NIS. Portions of the letter commended his stakeholder engagement strategy and the clear direction he has set for the Institute.

 

They also highlighted his achievements in Edo State — particularly the revitalization of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the construction and upgrade of mini stadia — describing them as catalysts for grassroots sports development.

 

Responding, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as encouragement to remain focused on institutional reforms. He reiterated that the NIS under his leadership would continue aligning with President Tinubu’s broader vision of rebuilding Nigeria’s sporting glory through structure, innovation and dedication to national interest.

 

As Nigeria seeks to reclaim its place on the global sporting stage, Shaibu’s message was clear: sustainable reform, backed by presidential will and stakeholder unity, remains the pathway to lasting success.