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The University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the National Institute for Sports (NIS) are set to explore a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening sports development and repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector for global relevance. This development emerged during a courtesy visit by the Director-General/CEO of NIS, H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, to the Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, where both institutions expressed readiness to collaborate in key areas of mutual interest. Speaking during the visit, Shaibu emphasized the urgent need to reconnect the NIS with academic institutions like UNIBEN to revive its foundational mandate as the backbone of sports development in Nigeria. He described the institute as a once-thriving hub that trained coaches, referees, administrators, and sports medical personnel, while also providing structured academic programmes. He noted that over the years, the institute’s core objectives were weakened, but the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided renewed direction to restore its relevance. According to Shaibu, ongoing reforms at the NIS include curriculum upgrades, introduction of new courses, and the implementation of a 10-year development plan designed by experts to reposition the institute as a modern, globally competitive sports institution. He added that the institute is working towards becoming a degree-awarding body, making partnerships with universities like UNIBEN essential for academic credibility and programme development. “Our goal is to build a system where sports education is properly structured and recognized. Collaborating with UNIBEN will help us achieve this through shared expertise, facilities, and academic exchange,” Shaibu said. The NIS boss also highlighted efforts to expand access to sports education through inclusive certification programmes tailored for experienced athletes without formal education, enabling them to transition into professional coaching roles. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie SAN, welcomed the initiative and described the proposed partnership as a step in the right direction. He acknowledged the university’s existing sports infrastructure and expressed commitment to upgrading facilities to meet modern standards. Omoregie affirmed UNIBEN’s readiness to collaborate with the NIS in areas such as curriculum development, facility sharing, and academic programmes, noting that such synergy would benefit both institutions and the broader sports ecosystem. The visit signals a renewed push to bridge the gap between academic institutions and sports development agencies, with both parties aligning efforts to build a more structured and sustainable sports sector in Nigeria. Members of the NIS management team present during the visit included Mrs. Nyakno Oluokun FCA (Bursar), Dr. Maryam Nasko (Head of Administration), Dr. Remu Majoroh (Consultant), Aisha Adogah (PPS to the DG), Charles Olubayo (PA/ICT to the DG), and Dr. Oyakhire Rasheed (South-South Coordinator), among others.

The Director General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has reiterated the critical role of the Institute in repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector, describing it as the “engine room” needed to drive sustainable development. Shaibu made this known after the regular Tuesday and Thursday keep-fit exercise while receiving the Rudder Sports Management team, led by its President, Emmanuel Omijeh, at his office in Abuja. He aligned the renewed focus on sports development with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s passion for sports is evident in key appointments and policy direction aimed at revitalizing grassroots sports. “Mr. President is a sports lover, just like many of us who follow football across different leagues weekly. Because of his deep interest in sports and grassroots development, he appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports to help nurture the next generation of athletes who will sustain Nigeria’s sports,” Shaibu said. Describing the NIS as central to this vision, Shaibu lamented years of neglect that, according to him, stalled progress in the sector. “You cannot start a car without an engine. The Nigerian sports sector went on holiday because the engine room, the NIS was neglected. Without building from the grassroots, there can be no sustainability,” he added. The former Edo State Deputy Governor stressed that sustainable sports development must begin at the grassroots level, where young talents are discovered, nurtured, and developed into professionals. Highlighting a major challenge in the system, Shaibu decried the lack of post-career planning for athletes, describing it as a “pandemic” that must be urgently addressed. “We have seen too many retired athletes without anything to fall back on. Going forward, we must institutionalize exit plans for athletes at least two years before retirement. This will include training in coaching and sports management so they can transition smoothly,” he stated. He further emphasized the need to create a culture where athletes are prepared for life after active sports, ensuring continuity within the system. “We must maintain a pattern of training our players to become coaches after retirement so they can sustain the traditions of their various sports,” he said. Drawing from personal experience, Shaibu recounted his contributions to sports development during his time in Edo State. He spoke about rehabilitating retired athletes by integrating them into the Edo State Sports Commission and empowering them for self-reliance. He also shared a success story of talent discovery, recalling how he identified Imade Osarenkhoe during a novelty match at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. “He was a 100-level student when we signed him for Bendel Insurance. We paid his school fees, and he went on to graduate and serve with the club. For two seasons, he was the highest goal scorer in the Nigerian league, and today he is playing in the UAE, where he also emerged top scorer in his first season,” Shaibu said. According to him, beyond sports, players under his watch were exposed to business ideas to help them invest wisely and secure their future. “I know what we suffered as players, and I wouldn’t want the next generation to go through the same. Collaboration remains key to moving our sports forward,” he added. Earlier, President of Rudder Sports Management, Emmanuel Omijeh, outlined the organization’s sports facilities and its vision to develop structured university sports systems across the country. He noted that the initiative is designed to complement, not conflict with, the mission and vision of the NIS, adding that consultations with relevant stakeholders are already underway.

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, at his residence, following the passing of his mother, Mrs. Esther Imaguomwanruo Idahosa (née Enabulele), who died peacefully at the age of 95. During the visit, Comrade Shaibu expressed deep sympathy to the Deputy Governor and the entire Idahosa and Enabulele families, describing the late matriarch as a woman of great virtue whose life was marked by faith, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. “It is always painful to lose a loved one, especially a mother with whom you shared a close bond. However, we take solace in the fact that she has gone to be with the Lord,” Shaibu said. He added, “Death is inevitable; one day we will all join Mama in heaven. But while we are here on earth, we must strive to do what is right and leave behind a good legacy.” He prayed for the repose of her soul and for God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Responding, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa appreciated the visit and kind words of the NIS DG/CEO, stating that the family remains grateful to God for the long and meaningful life their mother lived. Mrs. Esther Imaguomwanruo Idahosa is remembered as a venerable matriarch whose life touched many and whose legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. Signed:Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Sports.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Monday joined other top dignitaries in a series of landmark events across Edo North, highlighted by the commissioning of key projects at the reconstructed Auchi College. At the ceremony, held under the supervision of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Shaibu commissioned the newly completed science laboratory, underscoring the collective commitment of leaders toward advancing education and youth development in the state. The event attracted a high-powered delegation including Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), the Minister for Regional development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, party leaders, and other government officials. Shaibu noted the importance of modern educational infrastructure in shaping the future of students, particularly in science and technology-driven fields. The reconstructed Auchi College stands as a model of modern learning, featuring a fully equipped ICT/CBT center with 300 computers serving as a digital library, standard science blocks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and a well-developed sports complex with lawn tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as a synthetic football pitch. Additional infrastructure includes internal road networks, functional drainage systems, perimeter fencing, a modern gatehouse, solar-powered borehole with 10,000-litre capacity, 20KVA hybrid solar system, CCTV surveillance, and solar street lighting. The project also delivered a renovated 1,000-capacity event center, administrative building, multipurpose hall, furnished classrooms, and a vocational training center equipped with sewing and weaving machines. A food and nutrition section with modern kitchen equipment was also provided, while the former Vice Principal’s residence was converted into a cafeteria, sickbay, and corpers’ lodge. The development was facilitated by the Association of Great Achievers, Class of 1991, in collaboration with Dr. Peter Omoh Dunia and his twin brother, Paul Odion Dunia, whose vision and support made the project possible. The donors further provided a luxury school bus, school bags, and other learning materials for students. Earlier at Edo State University, Iyamoh, Shaibu, alongside Governor Okpebholo, Senator Oshiomhole, and other leaders, witnessed the foundation laying of a fitness center sponsored by Dr. Peter Omoh Dunia. The Governor also commissioned a Business Administration e-library donated by Ehi Agbonmen, President of Freedom Group of Companies, as well as the university’s health center. During his remarks, Senator Adams Oshiomhole described Shaibu as “a very energetic sportsman on khaki,” noting that the planned fitness center is timely, especially as the NIS DG is exploring opportunities to expand sports facilities across the country. He added that such projects would complement Shaibu’s broader vision for sports development in Nigeria. Governor Okpebholo also announced a donation of N2 billion and four buses to Edo State University, while commending the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor O. Adetimirin, for donating his first salary to support development initiatives within the institution. The day’s activities culminated in a major political gathering at Ikelebe Football Pitch in Auchi, where Shaibu stood alongside party leaders to welcome decampees from the PDP, ADC, and other political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the party’s grassroots presence in Etsako West Local Government Area. The events collectively reflect a coordinated effort by government, political leaders, and private contributors to advance education, infrastructure, and community development across Edo North. Signed:Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Institute for Sports.

Niger Delta Games: NIS DG/CEO Shaibu Hails Edo’s Historic Triumph, …commends all participants at NDDC games The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated Team Edo for emerging overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games, describing their victory as a landmark achievement for the state and the region.Team Edo sealed the title after an electrifying week of competition in Benin City, thrilling their home supporters with commanding performances that saw them finish top of the medals table. The hosts amassed 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals to record a total of 111 medals, ending a 24-year wait to reclaim regional glory.In a statement issued by the S. A. Media, Ben Ogbemudia at the close of the Games, Shaibu praised the resilience and preparation of the Edo athletes, noting that their consistency in athletics, combat sports and team events proved decisive in a fiercely contested championship that went down to the final day.He also commended Delta State for finishing as runners-up with an impressive haul of 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, as well as defending champions Bayelsa State, who secured third place with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.According to him, the high level of competition among the top contenders reflected the growing strength of sports development across the Niger Delta.Shaibu extended his congratulations to Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo States for their participation and competitive spirit, emphasizing that every state contributed to the success and excitement of the festival.The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State further applauded the State Government and the Edo State Sports Commission for successfully hosting the week-long event, which brought together over 3,000 athletes from nine states to compete in 17 different sports.He described the organization, facilities and crowd support as evidence of Edo’s readiness to stage major sporting events.The NIS Boss reserved special appreciation for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the Games, stating that such investment in youth and sports development provides a vital platform for discovering emerging talents and strengthening unity within the region which aligned with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda in unifying Nigerians through sports and youths empowerment.He noted that beyond medals and trophies, the championship showcased discipline, teamwork and the immense potential of young athletes in the Niger Delta, adding that the National Institute for Sports remains committed to supporting initiatives that elevate standards and promote excellence in Nigerian sports. Signed:Ben Ogbemudia,S. A. Media,

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) on Monday took its grassroots sports development drive to Ogun State, engaging over 100 young athletes and coaches in a one-day intensive training and coaching clinic held at Gateway International, Sagamu. The programme, themed “Training and Coaching Clinic in Soccer for Grassroots Sports Development in Ogun State,” was organised in partnership with Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District. Leading the NIS delegation was its Director General and Chief Executive Officer, H. E . Comrade Philip Shaibu, who described the initiative as a strategic intervention aligned with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This programme is a practical implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Shaibu stated. “Mr. President has made it clear that Nigerian youths must be empowered, engaged, and positioned to succeed. Sports is one of the strongest platforms to achieve that vision. Through structured grassroots development like this, we are giving our young people real opportunities to build careers, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”  Students from various schools and sports academies, alongside their coaches, participated in the seminar designed to strengthen technical capacity, nurture young talents, and reposition grassroots sports for sustainable growth. In his welcome address, Shaibu further stressed that sports remains one of the most effective platforms for youth engagement and empowerment. “Engaging our youths through sports is one of the most effective ways to put them on the right path to greatness,” Shaibu said. “Sports today is far beyond entertainment; it is a global business worth over 60 billion US dollars. Nigeria has the talent to tap into this enormous opportunity.” He disclosed that many of the participants expressed dreams of playing professional basketball in the United States and football in elite European leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. “That collaboration between visionary leadership and structured training will help us produce champions,” he added. “What we are witnessing today may look like a drop of water, but it will surely become a full bucket.” Shaibu commended Senator Adeola for his support and commitment to youth-focused initiatives, noting that similar NIS programmes have been held across the South-West and other parts of the country as part of the nationwide sports revival strategy.  Representing Senator Adeola at the event, Chief Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko explained that the lawmaker was unavoidably engaged in official duties in Abuja but remained passionate about youth development. He described the Sagamu clinic as part of a broader empowerment strategy aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at creating opportunities for young people across Ogun State and beyond.   “This is not the first coaching clinic. Similar programmes have been held in Ibadan and Lagos, and more are planned across Ogun State,” Ojolowo-Ojuko said. “Senator Yayi is deeply committed to youth development. He wants young people to build independent minds and excel in their chosen careers.”  He further clarified that the initiative extended beyond Ogun West Senatorial District out of a belief in fairness, inclusion, and balanced development. Speaking on behalf of participating coaches, Ogun State basketball chief coach, Jonathan Fagbemi, described the initiative as timely and impactful. “Only leaders with genuine passion for youth development can inspire hope for a better tomorrow in Nigerian sports,” Fagbemi said. Mrs. Kehinde Oladesu, a teacher from Ansar Ud Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, who accompanied some students to the clinic, also expressed appreciation. “This is not the first coaching clinic. Similar programmes have been held in Ibadan and Lagos, and more are planned across Ogun State,” Ojolowo-Ojuko said. “Senator Yayi is deeply committed to youth development. He wants young people to build independent minds and excel in their chosen careers.”  He further clarified that the initiative extended beyond Ogun West Senatorial District out of a belief in fairness, inclusion, and balanced development. Speaking on behalf of participating coaches, Ogun State basketball chief coach, Jonathan Fagbemi, described the initiative as timely and impactful. “Only leaders with genuine passion for youth development can inspire hope for a better tomorrow in Nigerian sports,” Fagbemi said. Mrs. Kehinde Oladesu, a teacher from Ansar Ud Deen Comprehensive College, Ota, who accompanied some students to the clinic, also expressed appreciation. “This programme has shown that school children can truly be part of structured grassroots sports development,” she noted. The seminar concluded with the distribution of complete football and basketball kits to the over 100 participating youths, while coaches received training balls to support continued practice in their respective schools and academies. Top NIS officials present at the event included Dr. Mike Majoroh (Consultant), Dr. Joy Maiyaki (Acting Head of Coaching), Coach Iorsue Jeremiah Kuhwa (Football), Coach Lidah Taye Mary (Basketball), and Coach Adamu Bello (Fitness Coach), among others.