The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described Nigeria’s growing global presence in sports as phenomenal, following a remarkable weekend of achievements by the country’s young athletes.
Barely 24 hours after Nigeria’s Flamingos were crowned FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup champions in Morocco, two Nigerian teenagers made the country proud at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, winning gold medals in both the women’s and men’s 100 metres events.
Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo led the field to emerge champion in the women’s event, while Gift Bright completed a memorable double for Nigeria by claiming victory in the men’s race, as the country continued to attract global attention.
Congratulating the athletes on their historic achievements, Shaibu said their success was a product of hard work, dedication and determination. He urged them to remain focused, reminding them that the world was open to them as they pursue greater heights in their careers.
In his characteristic show of appreciation, the former Edo State Deputy Governor extended his congratulations beyond the athletes to their coaches, whom he commended for their technical input and commitment. He also applauded the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for providing an enabling environment that allowed the athletes to excel while proudly representing the country.
Shaibu further commended the National Sports Commission for its role in ensuring effective coordination and allowing the various stakeholders to discharge their responsibilities without hindrance, describing the achievements as evidence of what collaboration and purposeful leadership can deliver.
He called for stronger cooperation among heads of sports institutions and federations, stressing that sustained synergy would help consolidate these successes and justify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s confidence in his sports sector appointments.
It will be recalled that Shaibu had, last week, reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership capacity of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, its Director General, Bukola Olopade, and himself as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, describing the trio as capable and knowledgeable hands to take Nigerian sports to the desired level.
Signed:
Callistus Ebare,
Office of the Director General and Chief Executive Officer National Institute for Sports ADC Abuja.