Etsako West Chairman-Elect Visits To NIS DG Shaibu, Pledges Grassroots Sports Development

The Chairman-elect of Etsako West Local Government Area in Edo State, Hon. Romeo Alaoye Omoike, has pledged to promote grassroots sports development as part of his administration’s agenda during a courtesy visit to the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Abuja.

Omoike, who presented his Certificate of Return to the NIS Director-General, congratulated Shaibu on his appointment and commended his leadership of the country’s premier sports training institution.

He described the former Edo State Deputy Governor as a mentor whose commitment to youth empowerment and sports development continues to inspire a new generation of public office holders.

The chairman-elect said his administration would work closely with the National Institute for Sports and other relevant stakeholders to harness the potential of young people through sports and other developmental initiatives at the grassroots.

According to him, investing in youth and sports development remains essential to reducing crime, promoting social inclusion and creating opportunities for talented athletes to excel.

Omoike also reaffirmed his loyalty to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, stressing that unity and cooperation within the party would enhance governance and accelerate development across Etsako West.

While outlining his administration’s priorities, he identified insecurity as a major challenge and pledged to collaborate with security agencies, local vigilante groups and community stakeholders to improve safety across the local government.

He also promised to address environmental challenges, improve conditions in primary schools and strengthen internally generated revenue to enable the council deliver quality infrastructure and social services.

The visit ended with both leaders expressing optimism that stronger collaboration between the National Institute for Sports and local government authorities would help expand grassroots sports development and youth empowerment initiatives in Edo State.

Shaibu has consistently advocated the use of sports as a tool for youth development, talent discovery and economic empowerment, with the NIS playing a central role in training sports administrators, coaches and athletes across the country.