

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commended officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their dedication and sacrifices towards protecting lives and property across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Assistant, Media, to the NIS Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Shaibu gave the commendation during a decoration ceremony for two NSCDC personnel attached to his office as escorts, held at the NIS headquarters in Abuja. Blueprint reports
According to Ogbemudia, the NIS DG said the role of NSCDC personnel in maintaining national security remained critical to the peace, stability and development of the country.
Shaibu, while speaking at the ceremony, stressed that security personnel operate under challenging circumstances and deserve recognition for their sacrifices and commitment to duty.
He said the protection of lives and property was a responsibility that required courage, discipline and professionalism, urging officers of the Corps to remain committed to the values of their profession.
Two officers decorated
The ceremony also witnessed the decoration of two NSCDC officers following their promotion from the rank of Corps Assistant I to Senior Corps Assistant (SCA).
The officers are Ahmad Abubakar and Lawal Sani Lawal, who were formally decorated with their new ranks during the event.
Shaibu congratulated the two officers on their elevation, describing their promotion as both recognition of their service and a fresh opportunity to assume greater responsibilities.
He urged them to see their new ranks not merely as career advancement but as a call to greater dedication and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.
Shaibu urges professionalism
The NIS DG charged the newly promoted officers to maintain high standards of discipline, integrity and professionalism while carrying out their assignments.
He urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through their promotion and continue to serve as worthy representatives of the NSCDC.
Shaibu also encouraged the officers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and demonstrate commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Commends NSCDC leadership
The NIS chief executive further commended the leadership of the NSCDC for recognising deserving personnel and providing opportunities for career progression.
He noted that rewarding hard work and dedication could significantly boost the morale of officers and encourage them to perform their duties more effectively.
According to him, a motivated workforce is essential to achieving the objectives of any security organisation, particularly one saddled with the responsibility of protecting citizens and critical infrastructure.
NIS pledges collaboration
Shaibu also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Institute for Sports to maintaining collaboration with security agencies in areas of mutual interest.
He stressed that security was an important component of sports development, particularly as sporting activities bring together athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
The NIS DG said a safe and secure environment was essential for the growth of sports and the wellbeing of Nigerians.
He assured that the institute would continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that its activities and facilities remain safe and conducive for athletes and other stakeholders.
Promotion brings greater responsibility
The decoration ceremony provided an opportunity for the NIS management to recognise the contributions of the two officers while reinforcing the importance of professionalism and dedication among security personnel.
Shaibu wished Abubakar and Lawal success in their new ranks and urged them to regard their promotion as motivation to serve the nation with greater commitment.
He expressed confidence that their continued dedication would contribute to the effectiveness of the NSCDC and the broader effort to safeguard lives and property across the country.
