By Joy Omagha Idam
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Correspondents’ Chapel has intensified efforts to reshape grassroots sports development through a proposed strategic partnership with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the Basketball Federation of Nigeria.
The move formed the focus of a courtesy visit by the Chapel’s leadership, headed by Chairman, Felix Ojo, to the Director-General of the institute, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Abuja.
During the engagement, Ojo acknowledged what he described as a visible turnaround at the institute, noting that recent reforms and structured programmes have repositioned the NIS as a critical driver of sports development in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the media, particularly members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, have closely monitored and reported these developments, including initiatives targeted at strengthening training systems and building sports manpower across the country.
According to him, the Chapel is now looking beyond reportage to active participation by collaborating directly with the institute on initiatives that promote youth development through sports.
Central to this effort is a planned inter-secondary school competition within the Federal Capital Territory, designed to identify and nurture young talents in line with the institute’s core mandate.
Ojo revealed that the initiative will kick off with basketball, with plans already in view to expand into other sporting disciplines in the future.
“We are committed to supporting talent development in a practical way. This basketball programme is a starting point, and we intend to work with the institute and relevant federations to ensure its success,” he said.
He added that the competition would serve as a pipeline for sports federations to scout emerging talents for age-grade competitions, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s future in competitive sports.
Beyond youth competitions, the Chapel is also proposing regular novelty matches involving its members and staff of the institute. The initiative, according to Ojo, is aimed at fostering stronger professional relationships while promoting a culture of sportsmanship.
He noted that such engagements would not be limited to football but would also feature other sports including badminton, table tennis, and swimming, to encourage broader participation.
In his response, the NIS Director-General, Philip Shaibu, welcomed the initiative and expressed the institute’s readiness to partner with the Chapel in advancing grassroots sports development.
He reiterated the institute’s commitment to strengthening sports institutions through reforms focused on training, curriculum development, and administrative restructuring.
“Our responsibility is to build strong institutions. Once institutions are effective, they create opportunities and ensure fairness for all,” Shaibu stated.
The NIS boss disclosed that ongoing reforms are aimed at revitalising sports training frameworks and positioning Nigeria for improved performance in both administration and international competitions.
He also raised concerns over the misuse of sports facilities, revealing plans to establish a task force that will curb the use of stadium infrastructure for non-sporting activities such as political and religious events.
According to him, preserving these facilities is essential to maintaining standards required for athlete development and competitive sports.
Shaibu expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the media and sports administrators would not only enhance talent discovery but also contribute to positioning Nigeria as a hub for sports tourism and economic growth.
The proposed partnership signals a growing recognition of the role of media institutions as active stakeholders in national development, particularly in harnessing the potential of young Nigerians through sports.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman Comrade Felix Ojo and Secretary Henrietta Momodu.