Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Fuelling Sports Reforms As NIS DG Shaibu Bags SWAN 5-Star Award
Reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector are beginning to gain recognition, as stakeholders highlight growing efforts to strengthen institutions and build capacity within the industry.
Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has attributed the ongoing transformation in the sports sector to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places sports at the centre of youth empowerment and national development.
Shaibu made the remark after receiving the Newstap/Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) 5-Star Award for excellence in sports administration at a ceremony held on March 6, 2026, in Lagos.
The former Deputy Governor of Edo State dedicated the honour to the entire workforce of the institute, describing the recognition as a collective achievement.
“This award is not just for me; it is for the entire staff of the National Institute for Sports who have continued to show dedication and commitment to the transformation of the institute,” Shaibu said.
He revealed that 69 staff members of the institute have already undergone training and retraining programmes, part of efforts to build professional capacity and align the institute with global standards in sports development.
According to him, the reforms at the institute align with the broader policy direction of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to unlock the potential of Nigerian youths through sports while strengthening key institutions.
Shaibu also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for driving fresh reforms in the sector.
The award ceremony attracted notable personalities from Nigeria’s sports and political communities, including Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, Dr Chief Robert Onyeani, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, and Hon. Omonlei Yakubu.
Observers described Shaibu’s recognition as a reflection of his commitment to institutional reforms, capacity building and grassroots sports development since assuming leadership of the institute.
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