By Silvernews
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has attributed the resurgence of Edo State sports to deliberate planning, institutional reforms and collective leadership.
Speaking to Silvernews.com.ng, Shaibu explained that the revival of key state-owned sides, including Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance F.C., followed a carefully structured blueprint anchored on teamwork and long-term vision.
According to him, the administration prioritised assembling a competent team capable of critical thinking and innovation.
“We organised ourselves, brainstormed and developed a strategic plan. Beyond rebranding, we produced a working manual that guided operations and ensured sustainability,” he said.
Shaibu stressed that the turnaround was not driven by individual brilliance but by a coordinated system that empowered professionals to deliver results.
The reforms, he noted, repositioned Edo as a competitive force within Nigeria’s sporting landscape and restored confidence in its football institutions.
He added that the same institutional approach — defined by structure, accountability and shared responsibility — has now been introduced at the NIS, where he expressed optimism that measurable progress would soon follow.
