The Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) and the Government College Ibadan (GCI) Cricket Council have commended Contec Global Group, based in New Delhi, India, for donating cricket equipment to the school. This gesture aims to strengthen grassroots sports development in Nigeria. The equipment was presented at a ceremony held at GCI, with stakeholders hailing it as a significant boost to reviving and expanding cricket among students in the South-West region.
The NCF President, Mr. Uyi Akpata, represented by board member Mr. Endurance Ofem, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating it would support the federation's efforts to increase cricket participation and take the sport to the grassroots level. The federation targets over 250,000 new cricketers annually through partnerships with State Cricket Associations and schools. Akpata described the occasion as a key activity in Nigerian cricket development and thanked Contec Global representatives for facilitating the donation.
Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, a 1961 GCI alumnus, played a crucial role in facilitating the equipment shipment from India to Nigeria. He explained that the initiative began after discovering an online article about cricket equipment manufactured in India. Ighodaro contacted his friend, Dr. Benoy Berry, Chairman of Contec Global, who promptly procured the equipment for GCI. Ighodaro emphasized that the initiative aims to use cricket as a tool for character development, teaching boys discipline, patience, honesty, and respect for laws and sportsmanship.
The Vice Chairman of the GCI Cricket Council, Mr. Ladipo Idowu, highlighted GCI's significant role in Nigerian cricket development over the decades. He mentioned that GCI has served as a major pipeline for young players into Nigeria's junior and senior national cricket teams. Idowu named several former students who represented Nigeria and occupied leadership positions in the national team, including Chris Enahoro, Jide Bademosi, and Bayo Ayodebi.
Idowu also noted that the NCF granted GCI elite school status, making it the only school with this designation in Oyo State. The GCI Cricket Council has reached out to its alumni network and beyond to seek support from individuals and organizations interested in cricket development. He assured Contec Global that the donated equipment would be carefully maintained and used to develop new talents.
Representing Contec Global, Mr. Atul Saraf expressed the company's pleasure in supporting GCI's cricket program, describing cricket as a sport that connects people across cultures and nationalities. Saraf hoped the donation would inspire young players, encourage sporting talent, and contribute to the development of future champions. He also emphasized that the initiative is part of Contec Global's efforts to strengthen the relationship between India and Nigeria.
The Principal of GCI, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, thanked Contec Global for the donation, stating that the equipment would help deepen students' interest in cricket. He assured the company that the materials would be properly maintained and put to optimal use, noting that cricket can develop qualities such as patience, discipline, teamwork, integrity, and strategic thinking among students. Oresegun expressed hope that the donation would lay the foundation for a stronger partnership between GCI, Contec Global, and other stakeholders in cricket development.
Key points
- The Nigerian Cricket Federation targets over 250,000 new cricketers annually through partnerships with State Cricket Associations and schools.
- GCI has served as a major pipeline for young players into Nigeria's junior and senior national cricket teams, producing over 13 national cricket team players and two national captains.
- The donation is part of Contec Global's efforts to strengthen the relationship between India and Nigeria through sports development.
