The former Deputy Governor of Edo State and DG NIS Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s football legend, Emmanuel Okala, at his residence in Enugu State.
During the visit, Shaibu briefed the former Green Eagles goalkeeper on the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to decentralize the National Institute for Sports (NIS), including the recent approval of the South-East Zonal Training Institute, to be established in Enugu.

Okala, though advanced in age, was described as full of life and wisdom. He reminisced about the golden era of Nigerian sports and expressed confidence in Shaibu’s vision to restore the country’s sporting excellence.

Shaibu noted that the discussion strengthened his resolve to build a revitalized, inclusive NIS that will serve athletes and sports professionals across all regions of Nigeria.

“Our goal is to bring quality sports training closer to every region, ensuring no part of Nigeria is left behind in the development of athletes and sports managers,” Shaibu said.