President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, as the new Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS).
Established by the government of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd) in 1974, the Institute was aimed at improving Nigeria’s performance in international sporting competitions. It is also tasked with producing top-rated coaches, sports managers, and sports scientists, as well as conducting sports research.
With his appointment, Shaibu, who has a rich background in sports administration in recent years—takes over with immediate effect from Professor Olawale Moronkola. He is expected to initiate reforms to reposition the Institute and fulfill its mandate of producing excellent coaches across all sports in the country.
Shaibu carved a niche for himself as Deputy Governor of Edo State, where he revitalized and oversaw the sports sector. He left a lasting legacy as a promoter of sports and as an advocate for youth empowerment, creating career-defining opportunities that helped young people excel in their chosen fields.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Grassroots Sports Development to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, has sent a congratulatory message to Comrade Philip Shaibu on his appointment as the new Director General of the National Institute of Sports (NIS).
According to the SSA, Shaibu’s remarkable achievements in sports development and his transformative impact on sports in Edo State during his tenure as Deputy Governor make him a worthy and credible choice for this important role.
He said, “I want to formally congratulate my good friend and brother, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on his recent appointment as DG of NIS. Without mincing words, he deserves this prestigious appointment because his track record and genuine commitment to sports development prove that he has the capacity and capability to lead NIS to greater heights.
“Shaibu is a well-known figure in the country’s sports industry and beyond. I am confident he will bring his expertise to bear in his new role, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
