Shaibu gets sport's man of the year award

    Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu

By Bernadette Idalu
Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, today, Friday, March 7, 2025, received the "Sport's Man of the Year" award from the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of sports.

The former deputy governor of Edo State who was physically present and got serenaded with loud cheers accompanied with pumping of hands by the feminine folks who bunched up at the Festival Hall, Edo State Government House, to commemorate this year's "International Women's Day" with the theme, "For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," beamed with smiles, affirming he felt elated by the award.

Hon. Shaibu who interfaced with members of the media stated that the award was a testament of his support to the women folks while in government, a revelation that his deeds were well received, and still remembered.

He wished for more elective political and managerial slots for African women to enable them metamorphose into great builders of society, a shift away from the prevailing restrictive backdrop and influence of tradition and culture. He opined that inclusiveness of women into key political positions is a step in the right direction. 

He said, the time for political and mainstream inclusiveness of women into the higher echelon of decision making in society has come based on the fact that women, by instinct, are already endowed with natural capacities which make them great managers of homes.

Reacting to a raised question about his views about the present tilt in sports development in comparison to his time as the sports helmsman, during his tenure as deputy governor, Shaibu stated point blank, "The Governor of Edo State, distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, has aired his view that sports is one of the pillars through which he aims for achievement.

"He has continuously told me to assist with my knowledge. He insisted that I continue being the Chairman of Bendel Insurance and Edo Queens. As far as sports development is concerned, in Edo State, in Nigeria and even worldwide, we would continue to contribute our quota."

Shaibu revealed he would be in Egypt for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, election, an occurrence which he opined to be recognition and goodwill he was able to attract based on his passion and contribution to sports development in the state.

Giving a pep talk, he said, "I continue to tell people, the biggest goldmine of Nigeria, away from oil, is sports. It can take away poverty from our land. Employment from sports generation is huge. The business aspect of it, is huge."

He expressed happiness that the Federal Government of Nigeria has domesticated sports into a "Commission" no longer under the ministry. That move, he upheld, will fast track development in sports, as was obtainable during his own tenure as deputy governor of Edo State. 

However, he cautioned on the use of  "Passionate people" in this regard, to prevent a slip into the "Business as usual" syndrome.

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