The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the new board members of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), emphasizing the need for effective governance and policy direction in line with the institution’s mandate.
The ceremony, which took place at the office of the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, in Abuja, marked a significant step towards revitalizing the Institute and restoring its former glory as a leading sports administration hub in Africa.
Addressing the newly appointed board members, Dare urged them to utilize their wealth of experience to ensure the realization of the Institute’s mission and mandate.
Acknowledging the previous reputation of NIS as a premier institution in Africa before its decline, he expressed optimism that with the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to sports development in the country and the appointment of seasoned sports administrators to the board, the Institute would reclaim its position of prominence.
Highlighting recent advancements in sports policy, Dare pointed out that the approval of the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) paved the way for private sector involvement in sports as a business rather than solely a recreational pursuit.
This development, he stressed, would help address the long-standing challenges of funding and other related issues affecting sporting activities in Nigeria.
The minister added that the ongoing efforts to establish the country’s first university of sports were underway, but until then, the NIS remained the nation’s premier sports institution, requiring an examination process that would ensure the recognition of its certificates.
Dare revealed that the ministry had signed a Ten-Year Football Masterplan, aimed at rectifying fundamental flaws that had hindered the development of football in the country. The masterplan sought to benefit a broader stratum of society, contributing to the holistic growth and progress of the nation’s football landscape.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve, Mr. Danladi Ibrahim, the newly appointed Chairman of the board, extended appreciation to President Buhari, Sunday Dare, and the administration’s top management staff for entrusting them with this responsibility.
He affirmed their commitment to leveraging their extensive experience to achieve the Institute’s goals and objectives.
Other members of the newly inaugurated board members include Major General Okpeh Wilson Ali, AIG Hafiz Inuwa, Lawrence Babatunde Aremu, Dr. Fatima Kabir Umar, Boniface C. Odum, Salisu Manman Aliyu, Ag. DCG Gregory A. Itohoh, Prof O. A. Moronkola, the Registrar as member/secretary, Kunle Solaja, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, and Mr. Awogbade Ayorinde Gbadebo.
