In April 2021, Mr Uyiosa Akpata, while reacting to newsmen on the milestone achievements of cricket in his State during the last National Sports Festival Edo 2020, made a clear daring remark, “Cricket as of today is the best-organized sports in Nigeria. Well structured in terms of organization.” The record-setting chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association observed.
Several months after, his Enugu State cricket counterpart, Mr Ogbonnaya Okogeri has set the stage ready for a new classic level of Cricket game development to benefit the teeming youths as an opportunity for self-discovery and deviation from social vices.
Under this cerebral Cricket Chairman, 2nd and 3rd, September 2021 was set out for the all-important stakeholders’ seminar at Best Western Hotel in Enugu.
Mr Okogeri’s cricket pathway would involve the state government via the Ministry of Youths and Sports, the Ministry of Education, and Cricket stakeholders outside and within the state.
Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe was ably represented at the meeting by the Director of Sports, Mr Sunny Okoroafor. Also, present to join the policy formation of the new cricket future was the Honorable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze. Prof. Eze guaranteed that the Enugu state government would readily support cricket because of the Governor’s passion for sports.
Also to identified as partners are trained cricket personnel, sponsors, and media platforms for promotions.
To ensure these dreams have a cultural foundation, the Asian community in Enugu were equally invited to the stakeholders meeting. Some Indians were seen at the meeting as well with input.
It is now certain that cricket in the state will grow beyond Phoenix Cricket Grounds, University of Nigeria Nsukka, St Patrick College, Emene and few other schools after this meeting’s deliberations.
Mr Ogbonnaya Okogeri’s foundation is laid to prepare Enugu to develop vast cricket talents and win laurels in competitions beyond Omezua Okoro Ezi Okoro effectively. Also, Enugu State is expected to live up to her status as the Spiritual headquarters of cricket in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.
Other notable guests at the meeting were the General Manager of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr Emeka Igwilo, immediate past NCF Board member representing South-East, Mr Chika Okoro, and Enugu cricket patron, Ven. Prof. Jacob Onyechi. Also present at the stakeholders meeting was former NCF Technical Director, Mr Olisa Eguatu, Chairman South-East Umpires, Mr. Ikem Asika and the South- East Regional Development Officer, Mr Charles Obasi. Selected schools games masters and cricket coaches also grace the gathering.
