Organisers of the historic Okpekpe international 10km road race have hailed the appointment of Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor of Edo state as the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS).
The appointment, made by President Bola Tinubu, was aimed at repositioning the Institute to fulfil its mandate as a research and training institute dedicated to developing sports professionals, improving athletic performance, and advancing sports science.
“The appointment of Comrade Shaibu has come at a time President Tinubu is re-organising the sports sector and there is no better reform than focusing on an institution meant to play such a crucial role in developing athletic talent, advancing sports science, and promoting physical fitness,” said Zack Amodu, the Okpekpe Race director.
Amodu is confident Comrade Shaibu will bring about the positive changes that will transform the sporting landscape in Nigeria and turn the NIS into that great centre for research and innovation by conducting studies in sports medicine, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
“He will also ensure there is proper education and certification by offering courses for coaches, referees, and sports management professionals to ensure high standards in the industry,” added Amodu who reveals Shaibu has been prepared for this role before and after he became the deputy governor of Edo state.
“Comrade Shaibu was among the pioneer members of the Edo state team that worked with Pamodzi Sports Marketing to ensure the Okpekpe international 10km road race became the first road running event to have its race course measured by a World Athletics certified course measurer as well as the first in Nigeria nay West Africa to be recognized as a World class event and granted a label race in west Africa in 2015.
“As deputy governor, he was directly in charge of the Edo State government’s team that worked with the organisers to ensure the event moved from a bronze label race in 2015 to silver in 2018 and gold in 2022.
“We are all living witnesses to his time also as the deputy governor when he ensured the great Bendel Insurance became a household name again and delivered what is still talked about as one of the best National Sports Festival ever organized in Nigeria.’
Amodu has also hailed President Tinubu for living up to billing as a man who can identify talents and appoint them into critical positions to reform the various sectors of the Nigerian economy as part of his renewed hope project.
“We thank our dear President, Tinubu, for this appointment as Nigerian sports, especially the NIS, is in need of an astute and goal-getter administrator,” said Amodu.