The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has called on Nigerian youths to follow the exemplary lifestyle of Sam Okwaraji until he died serving the country.
The former Edo State Deputy Governor noted that Okwaraji was disciplined and purpose-driven which ultimately impacted many lives and made him an icon worthy of celebration..
Shaibu made this appeal in Abuja on Monday during a media conference held to unveil the maiden edition of the FirstBank/ Sam Okwaraji Foundation Memoir Cup.
The competition is for U16 boys in Secondary Schools,with strong opposition to any attempt to present anyone above the age bracket.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the sports sector, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade , Senator Osita Izunaso , the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other dignitaries.
While reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Super Eagles midfielder, Samuel Okwaraji, Shaibu emphasized the need for young Nigerians to emulate values worthy of national pride.
He noted that Okwaraji remains a shining example of patriotism, having died in active service for the country.
Shaibu said “We were all in the comfort of our homes when we heard the sad news of his death while serving Nigeria at the international level,”.
He noted “You cannot have someone like Samuel Okwaraji as a reference point and still be searching for role models in Nigerian sports.”
The immediate past deputy governor of Edo state stressed that national progress requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to look inward rather than constantly blaming political leaders.
He stated “Our collective efforts will make Nigeria great. We must stop blaming the President, governors, and other leaders without asking ourselves what we are contributing to the development of this country,” .
Highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and lawfulness, Shaibu recounted a recent incident in Abuja where he ensured the arrest of a traffic offender driving against regulations.
He argued “If you cannot obey simple traffic rules and yet blame leaders for lawlessness, then we are part of the problem. We must set standards for ourselves, if this country must move forward,”.
Shaibu also noted the importance of education and planning beyond active sports careers, noting that Okwaraji successfully combined academics with football.
He lamented the plight of some former athletes who, due to lack of proper planning, now struggle to make ends meet.
He pointed out “Some of our former sportsmen have become gatekeepers because they had no exit plans. This is not the future we desire for our athletes,”.
Shaibu stated “To address this challenge, the NIS has developed a new curriculum aimed at equipping athletes, especially those without formal education with relevant knowledge and certifications.”
He revealed that the initiative includes oral learning and examination methods and has already received approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), with efforts ongoing to secure approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He further explained that the institute plans to work closely with sports federations and the National Sports Commission to prepare athletes for life after retirement.
According to him, “Two years before retirement, we will begin profiling athletes and creating transition programmes from active sports into coaching and other careers, so they can sustain themselves and mentor younger generations,”.
Shaibu commended the initiative behind the championship, describing it as a solid foundation for nurturing young talents and preserving the legacy of Samuel Okwaraji.
