By Andrew Abah
The DG/CEO National Institute for Sports Comrade Philip Shaibu unveiled NIS first Nigeria World Marathon Certified Medical Doctor Sam Ogbondeminu
Speaking during the unveiling, DG highlighted the importance of the training in Spain, stressing that with Dr. Sam, Nigeria will no longer depend on foreign doctors for her label Marathon races to be sanctioned by International Athletics Federation.
The DG said the training in Spain was made possible by the organisers of Okpekpe International Marathon Race (Padmozi) which is on gold label list of the world body.
"I am happy today that NIS has broken the jinx of long decay of the Institution under my watch having doctor Sam Ogbondeminu as the first and only Nigeria World Marathon Certified Medical Doctor. The Institute didn't spend a dime but through private partnership. Most of our programmes is done through private sponsorship and now the NIS has six zonal offices in the six zones of the Federation.
"I can tell for free that NIS is a brand now unlike where I met it. Mr. President appointed base on his renew hope agenda to add value and bring back the Institute to live. As an administrator, politician and parliamentarian it is my hope to make the NIS the best in Africa in terms of manpower, logistics and facilities."
Shaibu also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs Binnac Ojukwu for her prompt intervention in securing visa for doctor Sam and called for more inter government agencies collaboration to achieve the goals of President.
Dr .Sam .who returned from Spain after his Certification as world Marathon medical doctor thanked the DG Comrade Philip Shaibu for the support and encouragement, ensuring that he attended the training.
"My training was done in two categories, online and practical. In marathon we have three labels gold, silver and bronze.
The training is for you to know specific requirement in marathon races with emphasis on athletes before, during and after the race.' Said Sam