The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of a branch of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), in the state and the Northeast subregion.
Prof Farauta gave the commendation while receiving the Director-General of the Institute in her office in Yola, the State Capital. She emphasised that the present administration remains committed to developing sports as a tool for unifying the youth and promoting peaceful coexistence.
According to her, the government will continue to support and collaborate with relevant institutions to strengthen the sporting industry across the Northeast. She highlighted the need to engage the youth effectively through sports, noting that such investment fosters national unity and positive development.
Earlier, the Director-General of the NIS, Prof. Olawale Shaibu, said the new campus would provide training for coaches, sports managers,and sports scientists, aimed at improving sporting activities and professional capacity in the state.
He disclosed that the Adamawa office is expected to commence operations in the first quarter of next year, offering 34 basic sporting courses, alongside diploma and certificate programmes at the zonal level.
Shaibu expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to produce world-class coaches and athletes, stating, “It is time for us to train our coaches and athletes who will win national and international laurels and trophies.”
He also appealed for continued government support, stressing the need to revive Nigeria’s leading position in sports development.
During the visit, the NIS management presented a letter of engagement and a 10-year strategic plan for sports development to the Adamawa State Government.