AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the comprehensive renovation and redevelopment of key national sports facilities across the country.
Shaibu described the approval as a bold and visionary step capable of transforming Nigeria’s sports sector, improving athlete development, strengthening sports administration, and repositioning the country for global competitiveness.
Particularly, the former Edo State Deputy Governor applauded the approval for the redevelopment of the 200-bed athletes’ hostel at the Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, noting that the project would significantly support the activities of the National Institute for Sports in training athletes, coaches, sports administrators, and technical personnel.
According to him, the upgraded facility would provide a more conducive environment for intensive sports training, capacity building, research, and human capital development, all of which are essential to improving the nation’s sports ecosystem.
“This development is highly commendable and timely. The approval of the renovation of critical sports infrastructure, especially the redevelopment of the 200-bed athletes’ hostel at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, will greatly enhance the operations of the National Institute for Sports.
“It will improve our ability to organize training programmes for athletes, coaches, and sports personnel while creating a more suitable environment for learning, development, and high performance sports education,” Shaibu stated.
He further commended President Tinubu for demonstrating genuine commitment towards youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and sustainable sports development through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Shaibu also extended special appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for what he described as his tireless efforts and strategic leadership in facilitating impactful projects capable of reviving the nation’s sports sector.
“I must sincerely appreciate the DG of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for his dedication and commitment towards ensuring that these laudable projects become a reality. His efforts clearly show a strong passion for the growth and modernization of Nigerian sports,” he added.
The NIS DG noted that the latest approvals further validate the importance of collaboration among stakeholders within the sports sector, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through synergy, institutional support, and proper coordination.
“This is the kind of collaboration I have consistently advocated for since assuming office. The future of Nigerian sports depends on our collective ability to work together towards common goals. When institutions collaborate effectively, the results will naturally reflect in athlete performance, infrastructure development, talent discovery, and sports economy growth,” Shaibu said.
He also reiterated the need for the full establishment of the National Sports Commission Board to further strengthen policy coordination, strategic planning, and institutional synergy necessary for the advancement of sports development in Nigeria.
Shaibu expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms and infrastructure investments would usher in a new era for Nigerian sports and create sustainable opportunities for young talents across the country.
