FG to site National Institute for Sports South-East Zonal Headquarters in Enugu
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has approved Enugu State as the location for the South-East Zonal Headquarters of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), marking a major step toward decentralising sports development and promoting grassroots talent discovery across the region.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Director-General of the institute, Comrade Philip Shaibu, during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu. Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, said the decision reflected the Federal Government’s confidence in Enugu’s growing reputation as a hub of sports, peace, and infrastructural progress.
“By designating Enugu as the home of our South-East Zonal Office, we are acknowledging not only the state’s strategic location and outstanding infrastructure but also Governor Mbah’s visible commitment to youth and sports development,” Shaibu said.
According to him, the new zonal headquarters will serve as a regional centre for the NIS Athletes and Coaches Development Programmes, aimed at fostering talent discovery, capacity building, and sporting excellence across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu States.
Shaibu added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to revive Nigeria’s sporting culture through institutional reforms and infrastructural expansion.
He also commended the Enugu State Government for the ongoing renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Awgu Games Village, and other sports facilities, describing Enugu’s peaceful, investor-friendly environment as ideal for the project.
“We are not merely planning an office; we are laying the foundation for a sporting revolution that will nurture future champions and stimulate local employment, infrastructure growth, and global opportunities for young athletes across the South-East,” he noted.
Responding, Governor Peter Mbah expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and President Tinubu for their foresight and commitment to strengthening key national institutions. He described the choice of Enugu as “well-deserved,” given the state’s rich sporting heritage and the government’s renewed investment in youth development.
