By Fatima Saka
Abuja — The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has initiated a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development, talent discovery, and institutional collaboration across Nigeria.
The move was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the chapel’s delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Felix Ojo, to the Director-General of the institute, Philip Shaibu, in Abuja.
Ojo commended the leadership of the institute, noting what he described as visible transformation since Shaibu assumed office. He said journalists have closely monitored reforms at the institute, particularly the introduction of zonal programmes designed to strengthen sports training and manpower development nationwide.
“We want to commend your doggedness. Since you assumed office, the institute has been witnessing transformation, and we have continued to report these developments both at the chapel and council levels,” Ojo said.
He revealed that the chapel plans to go beyond reportage by actively collaborating with the institute on sports initiatives, including organising inter-secondary school competitions within the FCT to identify and nurture young talents.
According to him, the initiative will begin with basketball competitions, with plans to expand to other sports in the future.
“We want to collaborate with your institution in talent development. This year, we are planning a basketball competition among secondary schools in the FCT, and we hope to work with the institute and relevant federations to make it successful,” he said.
Ojo added that the competition would serve as a platform for sports federations to scout promising athletes for age-grade tournaments.
He also proposed periodic novelty matches between NUJ Correspondents Chapel members and NIS staff, covering sports such as football, badminton, table tennis, and swimming, to foster stronger professional relationships and promote sportsmanship.
In his response, Shaibu welcomed the partnership and assured the delegation of the institute’s readiness to collaborate in advancing sports development in the country.
“Our core mandate is to strengthen institutions because when institutions are strong, both the strong and the weak will be protected,” he said.
The NIS Director-General noted that ongoing reforms at the institute are focused on improving training systems, updating curricula, and restructuring administration to reposition Nigeria’s sports sector.
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He further disclosed plans to establish a task force to curb the use of national stadium facilities for non-sporting activities, particularly political and religious events, to preserve infrastructure and maintain standards.
Shaibu expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the media and sports administrators would enhance Nigeria’s potential as a hub for sports tourism and economic growth.
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