Tinubu’s renewed drive for sports inspires reform at NIS

Tinubu’s renewed drive for sports inspires reform at NIS

...As NEWSTAP/SWAN honour Shaibu, others

The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H. E.  Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday anchored his vision for the transformation of Nigerian sports on what he described as the unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation that formally presented him with a letter of nomination for an award, Shaibu said the current administration has shown uncommon commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, national unity and economic diversification.According to him, President Tinubu’s interest in sports development goes beyond rhetoric, stressing that the National Sports Commission and its agencies are now enjoying 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 the NIS is determined to fulfill.The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State maintained that his passion for sports is longstanding and not politically motivated. Reflecting on his time as Deputy Governor of Edo State, where he oversaw sports, he recounted how the transformation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the development of several mini stadia across the state were deliberate efforts to revive grassroots sports. He noted that the initiative was designed to create accessible platforms for young talents to thrive and to restore pride in local sporting infrastructure.“We’re happy that the little we have done is being noticed,” he emphasizing that sports had always been his first love, even during his early days in school. He explained that his foray into politics did not diminish that passion but rather gave him the opportunity to fight systemic lapses and promote structured development within the sports sector.On his appointment as DG of NIS, Shaibu revealed that he faced skepticism, particularly from those who remembered his past criticisms of 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.However, he said he chose action over excuses, beginning with the renovation of offices to create a conducive working environment for staff instead of waiting for federal allocations.Addressing criticisms that his new role was a demotion from his previous position as Deputy Governor, Shaibu said he viewed public service differently. “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. For him, leadership is defined not by title but by impact and the willingness to take on challenges.He disclosed that upon assumption of office, he convened stakeholders and the NIS management team to interrogate the reasons behind the institution’s past struggles. Through consultations and research, the Institute developed a comprehensive 10-year strategic development 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 said.Earlier, the 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.Speaking during the presentation at his Abuja office, the group said the award was in recognition of Shaibu’s resilience, visionary leadership and bold reforms at the NIS.The letter, parts of which were read aloud, commended his stakeholder engagement approach and the strategic direction he has set for the Institute. The group also highlighted his achievements in Edo State, particularly the revitalization of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the construction and upgrade of mini stadia, which they described as catalysts for grassroots sports development. They noted that his decision to accept the NIS role despite public criticism demonstrated humility, patriotism and commitment to national service.Responding, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as encouragement to stay focused on institutional reforms. He reiterated that the NIS under his leadership would continue to align with the President’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria’s sporting glory through structure, innovation and dedication to national interest.