NSI to serve as youth devt hub, turn around Adamawa’s economy – Philip Shaibu
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has said Adamawa State is set to witness massive economic, social, and sporting transformation as the Federal Government concludes plans to open the National Sports Institute (NSI) in the state.
Shaibu, who visited Adamawa to inspect facilities ahead of the institute’s takeoff in the first quarter of next year, described the project as a major national asset that will place Adamawa at the centre of sports development in Nigeria.
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He expressed satisfaction with the facilities on ground, commending the Adamawa State Government for “a step in the right direction” in supporting youth engagement through sports.
According to him, the NSI’s presence in the Northeast will unlock unprecedented opportunities for talent discovery, youth empowerment, sports education, and economic growth.
“By the time we start full operation here, our young men and women will be ready to represent not only Adamawa but the entire country. What I have seen is impressive, and everything is working for good,” he said.
Shaibu explained that establishing zonal campuses such as Adamawa’s aligns with President Tinubu’s directive to take sports development to the grassroots. This, he said, will make training more accessible and help Nigeria discover more athletes and coaches.
“When you take the institute closer to the people, the numbers multiply. Instead of training less than 1,000 in Abuja and Lagos, the zonal centres will accommodate far more because transport and access become easier,” he added.
Beyond sports, Shaibu highlighted the massive economic benefits expected to flow into the state. With increased traffic from trainees, instructors, visiting teams, and sports professionals, local commerce is projected to witness a major boost.
“What is coming to Adamawa is the economic aspect. Hospitality will boom, businesses will come in, and the multiplier effect will be huge. When there is traffic in a place, commerce follows,” he noted.
He emphasized that the NSI will train not only athletes and coaches but also sports administrators, technical personnel, and other professionals within the sports ecosystem, making the Adamawa centre a full-fledged institute.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Shaibu said strengthening institutions like the NSI is crucial for long-term sporting success.
“Now that NIS will be functioning, we will not need calculators or fasting and prayers to qualify again,” he said.
The institute is expected to be commissioned alongside the new stadium early next year.
