Sharon Ekhiwere
The Global Development Manager, International Cricket Council (ICC) – William Glenwright and the Africa Regional Development Manager – Patricia Kambarami as part of a 3-day working visit to Nigeria, visit Edo State in recognition of the massive development of Cricket in the state.
The guests were welcomed to Edo State by Mr Uyi Akpata who doubles as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and the Chairman, of the Edo State Cricket Association (ESCA). Upon arrival, the guests proceeded on a courtesy call to The Executive Governor of Edo State. They were received by the Deputy Governor- Hon. Phillip Shaibu who represented His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The Deputy Governor commended the giant strides undertaken by EDSCA and appreciated the recognition accorded Edo State with the visit of Mr. William Glenwright. In his speech, the Deputy Governor highlighted the positive impact Cricket has made in the state, thus making Edo State receive International recognition with an award for “Best Social Impact Program” using Cricket as a tool for social change at the Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Edo state.
In his address, the President of NCF – Mr. Uyi Akpata informed the Deputy Governor of the role Edo State has played in making Nigeria Cricket achieve the status as the fastest developing sport in Nigeria.
“We have been able to achieve so much because of the platform we have been given by the Government and people of Edo State. The State has created the enabling environment and structures to make sports thrive and it is a testament to the strong leadership in Edo State captained by His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki. Edo State can now boast of having the only female High-Performance Cricket centre in the whole of West Africa located at Iyoba Girls College, Edo State”, he said.
Later in the day, the Iyoba Center of Excellence turf wicket which is devoted to the advancement of female cricket in the state was formally opened.