President Tinubu Appoints New Leaders To Drive Nigeria’s Sports And Youth Development.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced two significant appointments aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s sports and youth development sectors. The presidency confirmed the appointments of Philip Shaibu as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) and Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe as the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Abuja. The announcement was made on Saturday, 24 May 2025, via a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Philip Shaibu, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, brings a wealth of leadership experience to his new role at the Nigerian Institute of Sports. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the nation’s sports infrastructure and foster talent development, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s commitment to elevating Nigeria’s global sporting profile. Shaibu’s political acumen and regional influence are expected to drive innovative policies to support athletes and promote sports as a tool for youth empowerment.
Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe, appointed to lead the National Senior Citizens Centre, is tasked with advancing the welfare of Nigeria’s elderly population. Her role will focus on shaping policies that ensure senior citizens are supported, respected, and integrated into the nation’s development agenda. The appointment reflects President Tinubu’s broader vision of inclusive governance, catering to diverse demographics across the country.
The statement from the presidency highlighted the administration’s expectations for both appointees to leverage their expertise to deliver tangible results. “President Tinubu expects the appointees to use their wealth of experience to bolster the efficiency of the organisations, in line with the administration’s commitment to bettering the lives of citizens,” Onanuga stated. Both appointments take effect immediately, with Shaibu and Obe urged to approach their roles with integrity and urgency.
These appointments are part of a series of strategic moves by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across federal institutions. Earlier in May 2025, the president approved 36 new appointments to the governing councils of federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, demonstrating a focus on enhancing Nigeria’s educational and administrative frameworks. Additionally, Tinubu’s recent reconstitution of the executive management of 12 River Basin Development Authorities underscores his administration’s emphasis on regional development and resource management.
Nigerians have taken to social media to express mixed reactions to the appointments. Some praised the selections as a step toward inclusive governance, while others called for broader representation across regions. As the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, these appointments signal a continued push to deliver on the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises transformative leadership and equitable development.
With Shaibu and Obe at the helm of their respective institutions, expectations are high for impactful reforms that will empower Nigeria’s youth and honour its senior citizens. The nation awaits the outcomes of these appointments as part of the broader effort to drive progress and unity.
