The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Friday received a special award during the 25th National Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Catholic Men Organization of Nigeria (CMO), Benin Ecclesiastical Province, held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Bishop Kelly Pastoral Center, Airport Road, Benin City.
The award was presented to Shaibu by the Catholic Archbishop of the Benin Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubueze, in recognition of his contributions to humanity, service to God, and commitment to society.
The event, themed “Walking with Christ: Reflections on 25-Years of Faith Journey,” attracted Catholic faithful, dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the organization from across the province.
Speaking during his remarks at the ceremony, Shaibu said two major factors have continued to drive him throughout his life and public service, his service to God and his background in political activism dating back to his school days.
According to him, his faith and activism shaped his resilience and courage in the face of political challenges and persecution.
Shaibu also opened up on his political crisis with former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, describing some of the actions taken against him as petty and vindictive.
He noted that the former governor revoked his properties in Benin City and his house in Jattu barely one month before the end of Obaseki administration in Edo State without his knowledge.
The former deputy governor further said that just six days before leaving office, Obaseki went ahead to allocate the said Benin property to some of his Lebanese associates.
“That tells you how evil he was. We must be wary of people who are devilish in their hearts but pretend to be good outside,” Shaibu stated.
Despite the challenges, Shaibu expressed gratitude to individuals, religious groups, and supporters who stood by him in prayers during the political turbulence.
He appealed for continued prayers, noting that the crisis was not yet over.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me in prayers during the difficult moments. I still need your prayers because the crisis is not over yet,” he added.
The silver jubilee celebration marked 25 years of the Catholic Men Organization’s faith journey and service to the Church and humanity within the Benin Ecclesiastical Province.
Signed:
S. A. Media,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute of Sports.