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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.
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Contempt Drama: Health Minister, Hospital MD Risk Jail Over Enugu Neuropsychiatric Hospital Case.
A judgment of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has nullified the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Unaogu as Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu and ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice E.D. Subilim, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, declared the earlier termination of Prof. Igwe’s appointment unlawful and void, stating that due disciplinary procedures were not followed.
The court also held that Dr. Unaogu’s appointment was invalid because it was made while the case was still before the court, in which she was a party.
Despite the judgment being served on the defendants, reports say the orders have not been complied with several months later.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Michael O. Okorie, said Dr. Unaogu has continued to carry out official duties, including contract awards, banking transactions, and staff-related decisions, despite the court’s ruling.
He warned that individuals and organisations dealing with her risk doing so at their own peril, as no stay of execution has been granted.
The lawyer has also filed Form 48 against the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare and Dr. Unaogu, signalling consequences for alleged disobedience of court orders.
He further urged the minister to review his legal advisers to avoid actions that could put him in breach of the law.
Court documents show the contempt proceedings were filed under relevant enforcement laws, warning that failure to comply with the judgment could lead to imprisonment.
The notice stated that Prof. Igwe remains unlawfully excluded from office, while Dr. Unaogu continues to function as Medical Director in defiance of the court order.
Meanwhile, reports recall that Dr. Unaogu has previously faced contempt proceedings and was once committed to prison by a High Court over disobedience of a court order.
She now risks another potential contempt sanction if the current court directives are not obeyed.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the reported data breach at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The probe, conducted under Section 46(3) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, is aimed at strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s digital and economic systems, the agency said.
According to the NDPC, cyber threat actors are increasingly using sophisticated methods to compromise the security of major databases, including large-scale data theft and cross-platform system breaches.
As part of regulatory support efforts, a statement signed by Babatunde Bamgboye, Esq., Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, said the National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered the commission’s technical team to engage relevant authorities and key organisations to reinforce data protection safeguards.
The investigation will focus on access control systems, Data Privacy Impact Assessments, Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), as well as checks on third-party data processors.
The NDPC assured the public that Nigeria’s data protection frameworks remain strong, noting the growing reliance on data-driven services across the country.
French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed that he has been relieved of his duties as head coach of Saudi Arabia, just under two months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on his departure, the 57-year-old tactician expressed mixed feelings but took pride in his achievements with the national team.
“That’s football… Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times, including twice with me,” he told AFP.
Renard added, “And there’s only one coach who has taken them through both the qualifiers and the World Cup; that’s me, in 2022. At least there will be that sense of pride.”
He returned for a second spell as Saudi Arabia coach at the end of 2024, having previously managed the side between 2019 and 2023.
During his first stint, he guided Saudi Arabia to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they famously defeated eventual champions Argentina in the group stage.
Renard is highly regarded for his international coaching record, having won the Africa Cup of Nations twice—first with Zambia and later with Ivory Coast.
He also previously managed the French women’s national team, leading them to the quarter-finals of both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games.
His return to the Saudi job followed the exit of Roberto Mancini, who left after a disappointing 14-month spell.
However, Renard’s second tenure has now ended abruptly ahead of the global tournament.
Reports suggest that former Greece international Georgios Donis is being considered as his possible replacement.
A source close to the discussions told AFP that talks are ongoing between the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and Saudi club Al Khaleej, where Donis has been in charge since 2024.
Saudi Arabia are set to compete in Group H at the 2026 World Cup alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde.
The team will now head into the tournament under new leadership as preparations continue for the global competition.
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