From Joseph Adahnu , Yola
Federal Government has concluded plans for the establishment of first National Institute for Sports (NIS) in the North east, Nigeria.
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of sports, Philip Shuaibu, who disclosed this in an interveiw to journalists at the Yola International Airport, said Adamawa state will witness massive economic, social, and sporting transformation.
The Director General while in the state, visited Adamawa to inspect facilities ahead of the institute’s takeoff in the first quarter of next year.
He described the project as a major national asset that will place Adamawa at the centre of sports development in Nigeria.
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Shuaibu was impressed and satisfied with the facilities on ground, commending the State Government’s efforts for supporting youth engagement through sports.
He noted that, NSI’s presence in the Northeast will bridge the gap of unprecedented opportunities for talent discovery, youth empowerment, sports education, and economic growth.
Shuabu said, “By the time we start full operation here, our young men and women will be ready to represent not only Adamawa but the entire country. What I have seen is impressive, and everything is working for good.”
Emphasising that, there is need for establishment of zonal campuses that will make training more accessible and help Nigeria discover more athletes and coaches.
Shaubu also reiterated that, “if you bring the institute closer to the people, the numbers multiply. Instead of training less than 1,000 in Abuja and Lagos, the zonal centres will accommodate far more because transportation will never be constrained but becomes easier”.
“What is coming to Adamawa is the economic aspect. Hospitality will boom, businesses will come in, and the multiplier effect will be huge. When there is traffic in a place, commerce follows”.
He added that the NSI will train not only athletes and coaches but also sports administrators, technical personnel, and other professionals within the sports ecosystem, making Adamawa centre a full-fledged institute.
Responding on Nigeria’s recent failure qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, Shaibu said strengthening institutions like the NSI is crucial for long-term sporting success. “Now that NIS will be functioning, we will not need calculators or fasting and prayers to qualify again.
”This next year, the institute will be expected commissioned alongside the new stadium in the state.
