The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT has sought a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) to promote grassroots sports development, talent discovery, and institutional collaboration across Nigeria.
The delegation, led by NUJ FCT Chapel Chairman Comrade Felix Ojo, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of NIS and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, RT. Hon. Philip Shaibu, in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Ojo commended Shaibu for the visible transformation within the institute since assuming office. “Journalists have closely followed the reforms and developmental initiatives of the institute, including the establishment of zonal programmes aimed at strengthening sports training and manpower development across the country,” Ojo said.
Ojo revealed that the chapel plan to organize sporting competitions among secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to identify and nurture young talents. The initiative will start with basketball competitions, with the potential to expand to other sports in the coming years. He emphasized that the programme would provide a platform for sports federations to identify promising athletes for different age-grade tournaments.
In addition, Ojo proposed periodic novelty matches between members of the NUJ Correspondents Chapel and NIS staff, covering football, badminton, table tennis, and swimming, to strengthen professional relationships and encourage sports participation.
Responding, Director General Philip Shaibu welcomed the proposed partnership and assured journalists of the institute’s commitment to promoting sports development. Shaibu highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at reviving sports training, strengthening institutions, and protecting sporting infrastructure. He noted that the institute would soon establish a task force to prevent the misuse of national stadium facilities for political and religious activities.
Shaibu expressed optimism that collaboration between the media and sports administrators would help reposition Nigeria as a hub for sports tourism and contribute to economic development.
