By Joy Omagha Idam
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel, Utako, Abuja, has initiated moves to forge a strategic alliance with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and The Basketball Federation of Nigeria aimed at deepening grassroots sports development, discovering young talents, and strengthening institutional collaboration across Nigeria.
The initiative took centre stage during a courtesy visit by members of the Chapel to the Director-General of the Institute, RT Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Abuja.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Felix Ojo, applauded the ongoing reforms at the institute, noting that the impact of Shaibu’s leadership has been evident through structural improvements and renewed focus on capacity development.
He observed that journalists have consistently tracked and reported the institute’s progress, particularly its expanding training programmes and initiatives designed to reposition sports development nationwide.
Ojo explained that beyond reportage, the Chapel is seeking practical collaboration with the institute, especially in youth-focused sporting initiatives. He revealed plans to host a basketball competition among secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a starting point for a broader grassroots sports agenda.
According to him, the programme is designed not only to promote healthy competition but also to serve as a platform for identifying and grooming young athletes who can represent the country in the future.
“We are looking at a model where the media does more than just report—we want to contribute directly to sports development. This basketball initiative is just the beginning,” he said.
He added that the Chapel is also considering friendly novelty matches with staff of the institute as a way of fostering stronger professional ties and promoting sportsmanship.
Adding her perspective, former Assistant Secretary NUJ FCT, and Head of Paramedics, Princess Joy Idam stressed the importance of early talent discovery, noting that many gifted young athletes remain untapped due to lack of structured grassroots platforms.
She outlined a framework for inclusivity, proposing that the competition should draw participation from both public and private secondary schools across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Her proposal recommends the selection of two government schools and one private school from each council, bringing the total number of participating schools to 18 in the maiden edition.
“This approach will give more young people the opportunity to showcase their abilities while creating a pool of talents for federations to scout,” she explained.
Idam further suggested that the initiative could evolve into a multi-sport programme, incorporating games such as badminton, table tennis, and swimming, while also expanding the scope of novelty matches beyond football.
Responding, the NIS Director-General, Philip Shaibu, expressed readiness to partner with the Chapel, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s sports sector through institutional reforms, improved training systems, and strategic collaborations.
“Our focus is to build strong institutions because that is the foundation for sustainable development in sports and beyond,” Shaibu stated.
He disclosed that ongoing reforms at the institute are geared towards enhancing manpower development, upgrading training standards, and repositioning Nigeria for greater success in both sports administration and international competitions.
Shaibu also revealed plans to safeguard sports infrastructure, noting that measures are underway to curb the use of stadium facilities for non-sporting activities such as political rallies and religious gatherings.
He assured the visiting journalists that the institute would organise a guided tour of its facilities to provide firsthand insight into ongoing reforms and operational challenges.
The NIS boss expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the media and sports institutions would not only boost talent development but also position Nigeria as a viable hub for sports tourism and economic growth.
The visit marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between media advocacy and active participation in sports development, with stakeholders optimistic that the proposed partnership will unlock new opportunities for young athletes across the FCT and beyond.