Philip Shaibu Unveils Roadmap to Reposition NIS, Inaugurates Advisory Committee

By Ed Malik, A | ed@ddnewsonline.com | posted 22nd July, 2025

Comrade Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and newly appointed Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at repositioning and restoring the agency to its core mandate. As part of this strategic vision, he also inaugurated a 32-member Advisory Committee tasked with reshaping NIS into a globally competitive, capacity-building sports institute.

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The roadmap, encapsulated in a policy document titled “Strategic Plan and Roadmap 2025–2035”, was presented during a landmark inauguration ceremony held on July 21, 2025, at the Dr. Elayae Awoture Conference Hall, National Institute of Sports, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos.

The event drew a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, sports marketing consultants, veteran sports journalists, and renowned sporting figures; many of whom have made significant contributions to the growth of sports in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, DG Philip Shaibu emphasized that his administration would be anchored on a new era of sporting excellence, one that seeks to transform Nigeria’s sports landscape and return NIS to its founding vision. He highlighted the importance of synergy between government and the private sector, while drawing on the wealth of experience from legendary figures across various sports disciplines in the country.

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Reflecting on his time as deputy governor, Shaibu noted that working with seasoned professionals shaped his decision to set up the advisory committee. He explained that the committee would play a crucial role in guiding the institute toward globally recognized certifications for its academic, executive and technical programs.

He further assured committee members and NIS staff of his unwavering commitment to implementing all agreed initiatives and resolutions, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and international recognition for the institute.

The Chairman of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Alhaji Shehu Dikko, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assembling a visionary and sports-focused leadership team. According to Dikko, this team reflects a “new thinking and direction” that is crucial for fostering a creative atmosphere to restore the Institute to its former glory.

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In his remarks, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and a major supporter of basketball in Nigeria, described the effort to revamp the NIS as “an idea whose time has come.” Drawing parallels with advanced sporting systems in countries such as France, the United States, and Germany, Kida emphasized that Nigeria possesses both the manpower and talent to achieve sporting greatness, provided that the right mission is pursued. He pledged full cooperation with the new NIS leadership.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Hamzat Ibrahim, also expressed his support for the NIS. He noted that under his leadership, the military has embraced several non-kinetic initiatives, including sports, as a means of positively redirecting youth energy. “When young people are actively engaged in sporting activities, they have less time and inclination for negative engagements,” he stressed.

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In his remarks, Chief Mike Itemuagbor, a FIFA-certified sports marketing expert and Chairman of Padmozi Sports Marketing Limited, expressed his support for the revamping initiative. He aligned with other stakeholders in applauding the plan, noting that the provision of world-class infrastructure and effective management will pave the way for meaningful partnerships with the private sector and sports-oriented organizations.

The event attracted several notable personalities from both the public and private sectors. These included Austin Eguavoen, former Super Eagles Coach, Mary Onyali, celebrated Olympian, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association, Chief Mrs. Sabina Chikere, Executive Director, Edo State Sports Commission and Hon. Lawani Damian Esq., former sports commissioner and current Executive Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.

Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua, Chairman, Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria (CORAN) and Executive Chairman, OPAC Modular Refinery, Dr. Sunnie Aleghe, foremost security consultant and Chairman, Klass Group, Engr. David Sanni, Business Development Director, DMS Automations Limited, Professors Clement Faso, Raheemi Morofolu and Adeyanju. Veteran sports journalist, Mitchel Obi and several other sporting icons graced the event.

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The broad consensus among attendees was that a new dawn has indeed arrived for the National Institute of Sports, particularly under the dynamic leadership of Comrade Philip Shaibu, who has been widely praised for his vision and commitment to transforming the Institute into a world-class sports hub.