The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has attributed his recent appointment to divine favour. He made this known during a thanksgiving service held on Sunday at Saint Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City.

The event drew an array of dignitaries, including the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Hon. Taiwo Akerele; Member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, Hon. Donald Okogbe; and the Olokpe of Okpe, HRH Oba F.A. Igbafe, among others.

In his remarks, Shaibu expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to lead the NIS, pledging to reform and reposition the institution in line with the President's Renewed Hope agenda.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and see it as a divine opportunity to serve,” Shaibu stated. “I will do my utmost to make President Tinubu and all Nigerians proud by delivering tangible results in sports development.”

Deputy Governor Idahosa congratulated Shaibu on his new role, expressing confidence in his capacity to lead the NIS effectively and fulfill his mandate.

Shaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to being a worthy ambassador of Edo State, adding that he and Idahosa would work together to promote the state's interests at the national level.

The thanksgiving ceremony was followed by a reception at Shaibu’s residence on Adeyan Avenue, where friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his appointment.