Archbishop Akubueze Honours NIS Boss Philip Shaibu At CMO Silver Jubilee

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has been honoured with a special award at the 25th National Silver Jubilee celebration of the Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (CMO), Benin Ecclesiastical Province.

The recognition was presented by the Catholic Archbishop of the Benin Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Obiora Akubueze, during a ceremony held at St Paul Catholic Church, Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City.

Shaibu received the award in recognition of his contributions to humanity, service to God and commitment to societal development.

The silver jubilee celebration, themed “Walking with Christ: Reflections on 25 Years of Faith Journey,” drew Catholic faithful, community leaders, dignitaries and members of the organisation from across the Benin Ecclesiastical Province.

Speaking after receiving the honour, the former Edo State Deputy Governor expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church and organisers of the event, describing the recognition as both humbling and inspiring.

Shaibu said his commitment to public service had been shaped by two enduring influences — his devotion to God and his background in political activism, which dates back to his student days.

According to him, in a statement released on Saturday by his S.A. Media, Ben Ogbemidia, both faith and activism have helped him remain steadfast and resilient despite facing political persecution and difficult moments in his public life.

The NIS boss used the occasion to reflect on his political differences with former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, alleging that some actions taken against him during the closing period of the previous administration were vindictive.

Shaibu claimed that properties belonging to him in Benin City and Jattu were revoked without his knowledge barely one month before the end of the Obaseki administration.

He further alleged that six days before leaving office, the former governor approved the allocation of one of the Benin properties to Lebanese associates.

“That tells you how evil he was. We must be wary of people who are devilish in their hearts but pretend to be good outside,” Shaibu said.

Despite the controversy surrounding his political challenges, Shaibu dedicated the award to those who supported him spiritually and emotionally during what he described as a turbulent period.

He expressed gratitude to religious groups, friends and supporters who stood by him in prayer and appealed for continued support.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who stood by me in prayers during the difficult moments. I still need your prayers because the crisis is not over yet,” he added.

The CMO Silver Jubilee celebration marked 25 years of the organisation’s faith journey and contributions to the Church and wider society within the Benin Ecclesiastical Province.

The award to Shaibu formed one of the highlights of the anniversary celebration, underscoring the Church’s recognition of individuals considered to have made meaningful contributions to humanity and public service.