By Ijeoma OkigboAbuja,
The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has officially commenced operations and is set for academic activities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the Institute, disclosed this on Monday in a statement signed by Ben Ogbemudia, his Special Adviser on media in Abuja.
According to Shaibu, the move was to ensure sports development, talent identification, and youth empowerment across the country.
The DG also noted that the development was in partnership with state governments, adding that the academic activities would commence in April.
“This is part of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and his visionary effort to diversify Nigeria’s economy using sports as a unifying tool and a platform to empower the nation’s youth.
“It is impossible to overstate the foresight, courage, and patriotism of Tinubu, whose leadership continues to bring new initiatives into reality like the NIS after 52 years, ” he said.
According to the NIS boss, Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment, national unity, and sustainable development provides the foundation upon which institute thrived.“Today’s achievement is a triumph for every Nigerian and sports lovers, especially with the visionary intervention of the present NIS leadership, who is the driving force behind this laudable achievement, ” he stated.
The zones include South-South located in Edo; South-East in Enugu; Ogun for the South West; while Plateau will serve those in the North-Central; Adamawa for North-East, and Kaduna for the North-West. (NAN)