NIS Boss Advocates For Ban On Political, Religious Activities In National Stadiums

The director-general and CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called for an immediate ban on political and religious activities at the MKO National Stadium in Abuja and other national stadiums across Nigeria.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Ben Ogbemodia, Shaibu warned that the ongoing use of sports facilities for non-sporting events has significantly contributed to their deterioration.

He emphasized that these venues were specifically designed for the training and development of Nigerian athletes and must be preserved for that purpose.

Shaibu lamented the dwindling number of stadiums that meet international standards, highlighting that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is currently the only facility in Nigeria that fully complies with FIFA requirements for hosting international matches.

Reflecting on his experience as Deputy Governor of Edo State, where he supervised the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Shaibu shared that significant efforts were made during his tenure to maintain the facility, particularly the athletics track, which was under warranty. However, he noted that the situation changed due to disagreements with former Governor Godwin Obaseki, culminating in the stadium being used for a concert by singer Rema.

Shaibu pointed out that this event allowed heavy vehicles and equipment onto the pitch, damaging the facility and violating the contractor’s warranty agreement. “Today, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium can no longer host international matches unless major remediation works are carried out,” he stated.

He urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to collaborate with the NIS in their efforts to protect and restore sports infrastructure across the country. Additionally, he reiterated the need for the immediate reconstitution of the NSC board to enhance the management, maintenance, and preservation of sports facilities nationwide.

Shaibu stressed that safeguarding sports infrastructure is vital for the future of Nigerian youth, asserting that sports serve as a key platform for youth empowerment and national unity. He pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for youth development and sports advancement in Nigeria can only be realized if the country treats its sports facilities as strategic national assets.

According to Shaibu, investing in sports development and protecting stadiums will not only aid in discovering and nurturing young talent but also restore Nigeria’s pride in international competitions.