The Federal Government has announced a major strategic investment in the South East, unveiling plans to establish a state-of-the-art National Institute for Sports (NIS) Zonal Headquarters in Enugu State. This decisive move is a direct acknowledgment of Enugu’s surging reputation as a centre for sporting excellence, modern infrastructure, and robust security under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah.
The disclosure was made on Friday by the Director General of the NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu, during a high-profile courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu. Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State, led the management team and articulated the specific factors driving the Federal Government’s choice.
He cited the “remarkable transformation” taking place under Governor Mbah’s administration, pointing to the state’s modern infrastructure, guaranteed peace, hospitality, and impressive strides in sports development as key influencers.
“By designating Enugu as the proposed home of our South East Zonal Office, we are acknowledging not only the state’s strategic location and outstanding infrastructure but also Your Excellency’s visible commitment to youth and sports development,” Shaibu stated.
The proposed zonal office forms a critical part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at decentralising sports development and revitalising the nation’s sporting culture.
According to the Director General, the new hub will serve as a regional base for the institute’s Athletes and Coaches Development Programmes. This initiative is specifically designed to promote talent discovery, capacity building, and grassroots sports excellence across all five states of the South East: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu.
Shaibu further commended the Mbah administration for the ongoing rehabilitation of key sporting facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the Awgu Games Village, noting that Enugu’s peaceful and investor-friendly environment is perfectly suited for the project.
“We are not merely planning an office; we are laying the foundation for a sporting revolution that will raise future champions who will bring glory to Nigeria. This partnership will stimulate local employment, expand infrastructure, and open global opportunities for young talents,” he affirmed.
In response, Governor Peter Mbah expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for its commitment to rebuilding national institutions, describing the plan as a “welcome development.”
The Governor emphatically endorsed the decision: “You have made the right choice by coming to Enugu. We are very rich in sports history. This is the city of sporting legends where champions were born, trained, and celebrated.”
Governor Mbah committed the administration to providing full support, including necessary office accommodation, logistics, and institutional backing for the smooth take-off of the zonal headquarters. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that opportunities are being created for young people to thrive, whether “in sports, innovation, or enterprise,” stressing: “For us, this is not about tokenism but service to our people.”
