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Shaibu Declares Political Will Key To Nigeria’s Sports Revolution.
Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has stressed that the absence of strong political will remains the major obstacle hindering Nigeria’s progress in sports development.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, Shaibu made this assertion while delivering a keynote lecture titled “Political Will as a Driver of National Development” during the 60th Diamond Anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), held at the VIP Lounge of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The event, which marked six decades of SWAN’s contribution to sports journalism and national growth, was graced by prominent figures such as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; its Director-General, Bukola Olopade; and Mrs. Ekaete Godswill Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, who was represented by Mrs. Matilda Samson Ekong.
Shaibu commended SWAN for its steadfast dedication to promoting sports excellence over the years, describing the association as the “voice of Nigerian sports” that has consistently chronicled victories, analyzed challenges, and advocated for progress.
In his address, the NIS boss described political will as the “genuine resolve of leaders to pursue tough but necessary decisions for the nation’s long-term good.” He identified three pillars of political will — vision and commitment, courage to implement difficult reforms, and consistency in execution — as vital to sustainable development.
“Political will manifests in the courage to take difficult decisions, the foresight to envision a better future, and the persistence to stay the course despite leadership transitions,” he said.
Using the state of the sports sector as a reflection of governance, Shaibu decried the poor condition of Nigeria’s sporting facilities, revealing that some courts at the National Institute for Sports had trees growing through them, which he described as “a physical and symbolic reminder of decades of neglect.”
He cited his tenure as Deputy Governor of Edo State as proof that genuine political commitment could drive change, pointing to the successful renovation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the construction of mini-stadia across the state as outcomes of political will transformed into tangible results.
Highlighting the vast economic potential in sports, Shaibu argued that investing in sports should be viewed as a strategic economic policy rather than mere philanthropy. “The global sports industry is worth about $500 billion. It creates jobs, boosts tourism, and drives manufacturing and media. Sports is an untapped economic goldmine capable of employing millions of young Nigerians,” he noted.
He urged Nigerian leaders to show political will that transcends rhetoric and short-term politics, stressing that while the nation has never lacked brilliant policies, it continues to struggle with implementation, continuity, and prioritization.
Citing examples from Singapore, South Korea, and Rwanda, he emphasized how political will transformed nations with limited resources into global success stories.
Shaibu also tasked sports journalists to remain steadfast in promoting accountability, advocacy, and public awareness, noting that the media plays a critical role in sustaining political will. “SWAN must continue to hold sports administrators accountable and educate the public on how sports can drive national development,” he advised.
He then presented a five-point framework for strengthening political will: institutional strengthening, data-driven decision-making, stakeholder engagement, transparency and accountability, and capacity building.
Shaibu reaffirmed his dedication to these principles at the National Institute for Sports, pledging to enhance research, training, and partnerships that align with Nigeria’s broader development agenda. “We must begin to view sports not merely as recreation but as a business and a vital pillar of national development,” he concluded.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration, themed “The Power of Sports Media: Honouring its Legacy, Shaping the Future,” formed part of SWAN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the bond between sports and nation-building.
Governor Uba Sani has raised an alarm over alleged plans by some people to cause trouble in Kaduna State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Monday, when he hosted heads of security agencies for the breaking of the Ramadan fast, Governor Sani said such people want to hide under the umbrella of free speech to cause trouble in Kaduna.
The Governor stated that some opposition politicians are spreading falsehoods in order to foment a crisis.
He, however, assured that his administration would not tolerate such attempts to breach the peace and security in Kaduna, warning that those found guilty will be dealt with according to the law.
Naija News reports that the Governor reiterated that freedom of speech is not a license to spread fake news that will lead to loss of lives and property.
‘’Some people just sit down in the comfort of the their homes and start spreading rumour through the social media. People should not hide under Freedom of Speech to cause trouble. We will not accept that in Kaduna State.
‘’We will deal with conflict merchants who want to disrupt the present peace in Kaduna State in the name of politics, within the ambit of the law,’’ the Governor warned.
According to him, Kaduna State is home to all tribes and religions because the people are hospitable and accommodating, and the government will strive to preserve this harmony.
Governor Uba Sani told the security chiefs that political campaigns will begin soon, as primaries will start in April and end in May, according to the INEC timetable.
He reminded the heads of security organisations that politicians who lose out in the contests will try to play the victim by dishing out all sorts of falsehoods to cause confusion, advising them to be vigilant.
The Governor also called for synergy between security agencies and local government chairmen, as well as traditional and religious leaders at the grassroots, in order to deepen intelligence gathering, adding that his administration remains open to cooperation on how to improve the security in the state and overcome the challenges of banditry and kidnapping.
Drones launched from Iran struck the United States embassy on Tuesday morning, causing a small fire and minor damage, according to Saudi authorities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Amid ongoing turbulence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dauda Lawal convened an emergency meeting with key cabinet members and party stakeholders to plan a strategy ahead of the next political season.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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