Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu’s appointment as the director general of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) is a masterstroke decision by President Bola Tinubu to enhance the effectiveness of the school, Okpekpe Road Race director, Zack Amodu, has said.
 
Amodu said that Shaibu has the capacity to reposition the institute to fulfill its mandate as a research and training institute dedicated to developing sports professionals, improving athletic performance, and advancing sports science.    
 
He said: “Comrade Shaibu’s appointment has come at a time that President Tinubu is re-organising the sports sector and there is no better reform than focusing on an institution that is meant to play such a crucial role in developing athletic talent, advancing sports science, and promoting physical fitness.”
 
Amodu is confident that Shaibu will ensure there is proper education and certification by offering courses for coaches, referees, and sports management professionals to ensure high standards in the industry.
 
He added: “Comrade Shaibu was among the pioneer members of the Edo State team that worked with Pamodzi Sports Marketing to ensure the Okpekpe international 10km road race became the first road running event to have its race course measured by a World Athletics certified course measurer as well as the first in Nigeria nay West Africa to be recognized as a World class event and granted a label race in west Africa in 2015.
 
“As deputy governor, he was directly in charge of the Edo State government’s team that worked with the organisers to ensure the event moved from a bronze label race in 2015 to silver in 2018 and gold in 2022.
 
“We are all living witnesses to his time also as the deputy governor when he ensured the great Bendel Insurance became a household name again and delivered what is still talked about as one of the best National Sports Festivals ever organised in Nigeria.”