Blueprint’s award will spur me to do more – NIS DG

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has been honoured as the Sports Personality of the Year by Blueprint Newspapers in recognition of his contributions to the development and advancement of sports in Nigeria.

Shaibu was recognised for his leadership and efforts towards repositioning the NIS, particularly through initiatives focused on capacity building, professional training and the development of sports personnel. Blueprint reports

The award was received on his behalf by the Institute Librarian, Dr Omo Atsenokhai, who represented the NIS boss at the ceremony.

Award an encouragement

Reacting to the honour, Shaibu expressed appreciation to Blueprint Newspapers for recognising his contributions to the sports sector.

He said the award would serve as an additional motivation for him to intensify his efforts towards the development of Nigerian sports and the repositioning of the NIS as a leading institution for sports education and professional development.

According to him, the recognition would encourage him to remain focused on the ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of athletes, coaches, administrators and other professionals within the sports industry.

Shaibu said he regarded the honour not only as a personal achievement but also as recognition of the collective efforts of the management and staff of the National Institute for Sports.

Focus on capacity building

Since assuming leadership of the NIS, Shaibu has continued to emphasise the importance of professional training and capacity development in achieving sustainable growth in Nigerian sports.

He noted that the country’s sporting success depends not only on the performance of athletes but also on the quality of coaches, administrators, technical officials and other professionals responsible for managing the sector.

The NIS DG said the Institute would continue to pursue initiatives that enhance the knowledge and professional capacity of sports practitioners while creating an environment capable of producing better results for Nigerian sports.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting programmes that would improve training opportunities and strengthen the institutional capacity of the NIS.

Recognition of collective efforts

Shaibu also acknowledged the contributions of the Institute’s management and staff to the progress recorded under his leadership.

He said the award should be seen as a recognition of the collective commitment of personnel working to fulfil the mandate of the NIS and improve its relevance within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

The NIS boss maintained that the Institute had a critical role to play in developing the human capital required to drive the country’s sporting ambitions.

He therefore pledged to continue working with stakeholders to develop programmes that would provide athletes, coaches and sports administrators with better opportunities for training and professional advancement.

Commitment to sports development

The recognition by Blueprint Newspapers adds to the acknowledgement of efforts being made under Shaibu’s leadership to reposition the National Institute for Sports and strengthen its contribution to the Nigerian sports sector.

Shaibu said he remained committed to initiatives that would enhance the capacity of sports professionals and contribute to the overall growth of sports in the country.

He expressed gratitude to Blueprint Newspapers for the recognition, assuring that the honour would further strengthen his resolve to contribute to the advancement of Nigerian sports.

The award comes as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for stronger institutions, improved technical expertise and sustained investment in human capital as Nigeria seeks to maximise its potential in international sports.