NIS Launches South-South Zonal Centre in Benin

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso 

The National Institute for Sports (NIS) has concluded arrangements to commence full operations of its South-South Zonal Training Centre in Benin City, Edo State.

The move aimd at strengthening grassroots sports development and professional coaching education in the region.

The Director-General, of the Institute, Comrade Philip Shaibu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, where he formally briefed the commission on preparations for the launch of the NIS South-South Zonal Office.

Shaibu said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, talent discovery, national cohesion and socio-economic development through sports.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms by the National Sports Commission, including the planned phase-out of uncertified coaches nationwide.

According to him, the NIS is placing renewed emphasis on continuous coach education, structured grassroots programmes and holiday training initiatives for children.

He explained that the Institute will train coaches and elite athletes under NBTE-approved programmes, including provisions for non-literate participants, to ensure inclusive access to professional sports education.

“Edo State will host more coaches and athletes than most states due to its designation as the South-South Zonal Office. Full operations will commence in February,” Shaibu said, adding that the centre will be equipped with modern workstations for both technical and administrative staff. He noted that a state-level committee will coordinate zonal acactivities.

The NIS boss disclosed that six zonal offices have been established nationwide.

While the Edo facility is fully ready for operation, centres in Ogun and Enugu are at advanced completion stages. In the North, Kaduna, Adamawa and Plateau have been selected, with Plateau scheduled for activation next week. Kano and Kwara already have existing infrastructure suitable for NIS state-level operations.

On staffing, Shaibu revealed that 150 personnel have been recruited, with additional hiring planned for the second and fourth quarters of the year.

He said training programmes across the zonal offices will begin in the second quarter, while induction for administrative staff is scheduled for next week, with official postings expected by early February.

He also announced a three-week NIS crash course for degree holders in Physical Education and Human Kinetics, after which successful participants will be deployed to zonal centres nationwide.

Looking ahead, Shaibu unveiled a 10-year strategic development plan for the Institute, focusing on zonal and state expansion, certificate and diploma programmes, and a gradual transition towards full university status.

Responding, Enabulele commended Shaibu’s leadership, describing the establishment of the South-South Zonal Office in Edo State as a major boost to sports development and capacity building in the region.

He assured the NIS of the commission’s full cooperation to ensure the success of zonal operations.

During the meeting, Enabulele also presented the Edo State Sports Commission’s 2026 calendar, which outlines a series of grassroots and elite competitions, capacity-building programmes and talent-discovery events scheduled throughout the year.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration, pledging to ensure that all facilities, structures and coordination mechanisms are fully in place ahead of the formal launch of the NIS South-South Zonal Office in Edo State.