NIS DG Shaibu Advocates First-Line Charge For Armed Forces, Pledges Training Support For Coaches, Athletes
In a move that underscores the growing call for enhanced welfare and national recognition for Nigeria’s military and paramilitary personnel, the Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has urged the Federal Government to accord the Armed Forces and paramilitary agencies first-line charge status.
He said such a gesture would reflect the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifices and unwavering defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Comrade Shaibu made the appeal on Wednesday when the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden Armed Forces Cartoon paid him a courtesy visit at the revitalised NIS headquarters, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Describing the military as the backbone of national security, the former Edo State Deputy Governor emphasised the need to prioritise their welfare.
He also pledged the Institute’s full support during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, including making accommodation available for participating personnel.
Highlighting the NIS mandate, Shaibu reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to training coaches and elite athletes, noting that his vision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that an official visit would soon be paid to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Oluyede, to formalise the emerging partnership between NIS and the Armed Forces.
Chairman of the LOC and Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral G. J. Kachim, praised Shaibu’s transformational leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to reposition the institute.
He also outlined new activities introduced for the rebranded Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, which, from 2026, will honour both fallen heroes and serving personnel.
The maiden edition will feature participation from seven West African countries and the United Kingdom.
The annual commemoration, traditionally marked on 15 January with wreath-laying ceremonies, will now adopt an expanded, more celebratory format inspired by the UK’s military tattoo tradition.
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