Tinubu Urged To Declare State Of Emergency On Sports Infrastructure Amidst Widespread Decay

The director-general and chief executive officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has issued a fervent plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to declare a state of emergency on sports infrastructure across Nigeria. This call comes in response to what Shaibu describes as the “total collapse” of sporting facilities nationwide, severely impacting the nation’s athletic potential.

Shaibu, the immediate past deputy governor of Edo State and a former professional footballer with Bendel Insurance Football Club, highlighted the dire state of sports in Nigeria, asserting that “sporting activities in Nigeria today are at their lowest.” He made these remarks during a reception for members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South FCT Chapter at his Abuja office.

In a press statement released on Tuesday by his special assistant on media, Mr. Ben Ogbemudia, the NIS Boss emphasised President Tinubu’s belief in sports as a powerful tool for national unity and youth engagement. Shaibu revealed that a comprehensive ten-year working plan has been developed for the NIS, aligning with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Shaibu quoted President Tinubu’s mandate to restore the NIS to its former glory as a premier training centre for sports professionals. He also noted the President’s recognition of the sports sector as a vital area for economic diversification and youth empowerment.

“Our infrastructure is nothing to write home about. All our infrastructure is dilapidated. Except Akpabio stadium in Uyo today, no other one in this Country can host FIFA matches. That means, if Uyo is bad today, Nigeria will be playing their matches outside the country.”

This stark assessment underscores the critical need for immediate intervention. Shaibu stressed that only the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo currently meets the standards required to host international football matches, leaving Nigeria vulnerable should that facility become unavailable.

He concluded by reiterating the urgency of the situation: “Sports need urgent attention so that Nigeria can take its place back as a sporting nation which in turn will boost the economy.”
Abdulwahab EKaide, leader of the visiting APC group, commended the Director-General for his efforts at the NIS and requested that he become the patron of their chapter.