Shaibu calls for facility maintenance and youth development

Philip Shaibu, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has highlighted the necessity of maintaining sports infrastructure and providing regular activities for young athletes to achieve excellence.

Speaking on the need for a coordinated, long-term strategy, Shaibu noted that Nigeria cannot advance the sports sector without focusing on youth development and the upkeep of existing facilities. He argued that building new infrastructure is less important than ensuring current assets are preserved.

The NIS chief questioned why facilities used for major national competitions are allowed to deteriorate. He specifically asked about the status of the venues used to host the World Cup across the six geo-political zones.

Shaibu suggested that building infrastructure without consistent activity leads to decay. He stated that if facilities are not used, they will eventually crack. He emphasized that the country possesses an abundance of talent and must establish systems to cultivate this resource.

Reflecting on his time as deputy governor of Edo State, Shaibu advised that lessons from international competitions should inform planning that aligns with Nigeria's specific sporting strengths. He noted that better results could have been achieved at the World U20 Athletics Championship in Eugene, USA, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

To improve performance, Shaibu called for stronger collaboration between the NIS, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other sporting associations. He maintained that a clear and well-coordinated plan is essential for the sector's growth.