Gov Uba Sani of Kaduna State has received a high-powered delegation from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), led by its Director-General, Comrade Philips Shuaibu, on a courtesy visit to explore avenues for strategic collaboration in youth development, sports advancement, and institutional capacity building.
Speaking while receiving the delegation, the Governor said Our interaction was anchored on a shared conviction that sport, when deliberately invested in, is not merely recreational, but a transformative force for national cohesion, human capital development, and social renewal.
He said that he was encouraged by the Director-General’s generous acknowledgement of our administration’s developmental strides, particularly within the sports sector.
He noted that DGs commendation of the ongoing total reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, now being rebuilt to meet full FIFA standards, underscored the seriousness of government commitment to excellence and global competitiveness.
Governor Uba Sani also welcomed the Institute’s decision to establish its North West Zonal Office in Kaduna State, a choice informed by our strategic location and the renewed confidence inspired by our developmental trajectory.
He also commended Comrade Shuaibu for his purposeful leadership and his resolve to reposition the National Institute of Sports as a central pillar of sports development in Nigeria.
The Governor reaffirmed the belief that sports serve as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment, social cohesion, discipline, and sustainable economic growth.
He highlighted his administration focused investments in sports infrastructure, including the reconstruction and expansion of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium from 16,000 to 32,000 seating capacity.
He said “I also acknowledged that capacity building remains a critical gap in the sector and expressed my satisfaction that the Institute’s presence will help address this need”.
He explained that the state government wholeheartedly welcome the establishment of its zonal office in Kaduna and will provide a fully furnished facility to support its operations, adding the these achievements are made possible by the peace and stability we have restored across the state over the past two and a half years.
