Sports
Diri Commends Shaibu as NFF Holds Extraordinary General Assembly in Yenagoa
Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa, on Monday played host to a pivotal gathering in Nigeria’s football administration as the Nigeria Football Federation convened its Extraordinary General Assembly.
The high-level meeting, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall within Government House, brought together major stakeholders across the country’s football ecosystem to deliberate on key reforms aimed at strengthening the sport.
Declaring the assembly open, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, delivered a strong commendation of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, for what he described as transformative leadership.
Governor Diri stated that Nigeria’s sports administration has witnessed significant improvement, noting that the National Institute for Sports, previously under-recognized, has gained renewed relevance under Shaibu’s leadership within a short period.
“Nigeria has never had it this good in sports administration. The NIS was hardly known before now, but within a short period, Comrade Philip Shaibu has redefined its relevance and impact,” the governor said.
He further urged other appointees under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emulate Shaibu’s reform-driven approach and commitment to excellence.
The assembly attracted top dignitaries in Nigeria’s sports sector, including Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Bukola Olopade; Abdul Ningi; and Kabiru Amadu.
Also present were Chairmen and Secretaries of all 36 State Football Associations and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside members of the NFF Executive Committee and management. Representatives of various leagues, as well as the Coaches Association, Referees Association, and Players’ Union, were in attendance, highlighting the inclusive scope of the congress.
In his welcome remarks, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau emphasized unity and progressive reforms as essential to the growth of Nigerian football.
Central to discussions at the Extraordinary General Assembly are proposed amendments to the NFF Statutes, the Electoral Code, and the Standing Orders guiding the federation. The congress is also expected to deliberate on key appointments, including members of the Electoral Committee, Electoral Appeals Committee, and the Independent Auditor.
The presence of officials from FIFA and Confederation of African Football further underscores the importance of the assembly on the global football stage.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that resolutions from the meeting would strengthen governance frameworks and set a new direction for football development in Nigeria.
Follow BONA NAIJA for more
