By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pledged its readiness to collaborate with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in efforts to rejuvenate sporting activities across the country.
This commitment was made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit by the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the NIS, Phillip Shaibu, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
General Musa underscored the critical role of sports in enhancing physical fitness, national development, and youth engagement, noting its potential in curbing insecurity and criminality.
He also lamented the declining state of sports in Nigeria and called for strategic efforts to reposition the sector for national growth.
He urged the NIS leadership to lead a renewed drive in restoring the country’s sports reputation through capacity-building and inclusive partnerships.
In a remarks, Shaibu stated that his visit was part of a broader initiative to engage key stakeholders and identify areas for collaboration, particularly in the areas of training, coaching, and youth development. He noted that sports remain a powerful tool for national unity and economic empowerment and has the potential to compete with other sectors in driving Nigeria’s development.
Shaibu also informed the CDS of presidential directives aimed at revitalizing sports across the country, adding that the support of the Armed Forces would be instrumental to achieving these goals.
