Institute Partners With Judiciary Sports Association To Boost Members’ Fitness

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has expressed readiness to collaborate with the National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ) to promote physical fitness, research and training among members of the judiciary.

The director-general and chief executive officer of NIS, Philip Shaibu, made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the association to the institute.

Shaibu, a former deputy governor of Edo State, said physical fitness remains essential across professions, including the judiciary, stressing that the nature of judicial work demands both mental and physical stability.

He said, “I can attest to the fact that the judiciary is not just about carrying files. Fitness is very critical, and I know the judiciary has never taken it for granted. We are ready to partner with you in research and training because the relationship between NIS and the judiciary will be useful and beneficial to both sectors.”

The NIS boss recalled his background in sports, noting that he once played football against the Court of Appeal team and participated in inter-ministerial games in Abuja during his time with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later the Nigeria Prison Service.

Shaibu further disclosed that the ongoing reforms at the institute aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the institute is restructuring its curriculum to strengthen capacity-building in the sports sector.

According to him, NIS is introducing physiotherapy and expanding training programmes for paramedics, noting that such services are not limited to athletes but are relevant to professionals, including members of the judiciary.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt a more strategic approach to sports development.

“We are too big and too talented as a country to keep hoping for miracles whenever we go for major competitions. Those of us given the mandate to turn sports around must think outside the box and take ownership of the responsibility,” he said.

Earlier, NASAJ president, Sunday Noah, commended Shaibu for his contributions to sports development, particularly during his tenure in Edo State.

Noah said Shaibu’s support for Bendel Insurance Football Club and reforms at the Edo State Sports Commission demonstrated his capacity to drive meaningful change.

He explained that NASAJ, established in 1994 under the leadership of former chief justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Bello, serves as the umbrella body responsible for organising the annual Chief Justice of Nigeria Sports Competition for judicial officers nationwide.