The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu on Wednesday, called for stronger collaboration between the private sector, corporate organisations, diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to accelerate sports development in Nigeria, insisting that government funding alone is insufficient to transform the sector.
- Philip Shaibu says government funding alone cannot transform Nigeria’s sports sector.
- He called for stronger private sector and diplomatic support for sports development.
- Japan donated badminton equipment to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.
- Shaibu praised the Nigeria-Japan sports partnership as a model for future collaborations.
- He urged other sports federations to seek international partnerships to improve athlete development.
Shaibu made the appeal in Abuja, during the official presentation of badminton equipment donated by the Badminton Association of Japan to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja,.
The items were handed over by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Suzuki Hideo.
He described the donation as a shining example of how strategic partnerships can strengthen sports development, improve athlete performance and complement government efforts.
“I have consistently advocated collaboration with the private sector in every possible way. Relying solely on government funding, especially with the state of our sporting infrastructure, is simply not sustainable,” Shaibu said.
According to him, greater participation by businesses, corporate organisations, development partners and diplomatic missions would not only improve sports infrastructure and athlete development but also contribute to national unity, youth empowerment and security.
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The former Edo State deputy governor commended the government of Japan and the Badminton Association of Japan for supporting the growth of badminton in Nigeria, describing the donation as another milestone in the sporting relationship between both countries.
He also urged Ambassador Suzuki Hideo to encourage other diplomatic missions and international partners to support sports development initiatives across Nigeria.
Shaibu praised the leadership of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for attracting international support, describing the federation as one of the progressive sports bodies in the country.
He encouraged administrators of other sporting federations to pursue similar partnerships capable of expanding opportunities for athletes and improving the standard of sports nationwide.
Shaibu expressed optimism that the donation of modern badminton equipment would enhance athlete training, improve talent development and further deepen sports cooperation between Nigeria and Japan.
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