By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF) and the Government College Ibadan (GCI) Cricket Council have commended Contec Global Group, New Delhi, India, for donating cricket equipment to the school as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The equipment was presented to GCI at an elaborate ceremony held at the school premises, with stakeholders describing the gesture as a major boost to the revival and expansion of cricket among students in the South-West.
Speaking at the event, the NCF President, Mr. Uyi Akpata, who was represented by a board member of the federation, Mr. Endurance Ofem, said the donation would support the federation’s efforts to increase participation in cricket and take the sport to the grassroots.
He said the federation was targeting more than 250,000 new cricketers annually through partnerships with State Cricket Associations and schools.
“Our target is reaching over 250,000 new cricketers every year. What we have tried to do is take the game through the State Cricket Association, and now we are going through the alma maters, with GCI becoming one of those big hubs,” Akpata said.
He described the occasion as one of the key activities in the development of Nigerian cricket and appreciated Contec Global representatives, Mr. Atul Saraf and Vice President Mr. Tunde Ayansanwo, for facilitating the donation.
He also commended Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, a 1961 GCI alumnus, for facilitating the shipment of the equipment from India to Nigeria.
Ighodaro explained that the initiative began after he came across an online article about cricket equipment manufactured in India.
He said he contacted his friend and Chairman of Contec Global, Dr. Benoy Berry, for assistance, adding that Berry responded promptly by procuring the equipment for GCI.
Ighodaro said the initiative was not only about providing sporting equipment but also about using cricket as a tool for character development.
“We want to use cricket to teach our boys to be gentlemen, to learn discipline, patience, honesty and respect for laws and sportsmanship,” he said.
He disclosed that GCI old boys had produced more than 13 national cricket team players and two national captains.
The Vice Chairman of the GCI Cricket Council, Mr. Ladipo Idowu, said the school had played a significant role in the development of Nigerian cricket over the decades.
According to him, GCI had served as a major pipeline for young players into Nigeria’s junior and senior national cricket teams.
Idowu named Chris Enahoro, Jide Bademosi, Kola Mosogu, Bayo Ayodebi, Deji Otegbeye and Seye Fadahunsi among former students who represented Nigeria and occupied leadership positions in the national team.
“Between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, more than 14 GCI old boys played in Nigeria’s senior national team. This speaks volumes about GCI’s cricket pedigree,” he said.
Idowu said the NCF had granted GCI elite school status, making it the only school with the designation in Oyo State.
He explained that the GCI Cricket Council had reached beyond its alumni network to seek support from individuals and organisations interested in the development of cricket.
He assured Contec Global that the donated equipment would be carefully maintained and deployed to develop new talents.
Representing Contec Global at the ceremony, Mr. Atul Saraf said the company was pleased to support GCI’s cricket programme, describing cricket as a sport that connects people across cultures and nationalities.
“As an Indian, cricket is not just a game for the populace; it is an emotion that connects people beyond boundaries, cultures and nationalities,” Saraf said.
He said Contec Global hoped the donation would inspire young players, encourage sporting talent and contribute to the development of future champions.
Saraf also described the initiative as part of the company’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between India and Nigeria.
He urged the students to play with passion, support their teammates, respect their opponents and give their best, noting that cricket teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership and excellence.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of GCI, the Principal, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, thanked Contec Global for the donation.
Oresegun said the equipment would help deepen students’ interest in cricket and assured the company that the materials would be properly maintained and put to optimal use.
He noted that cricket was capable of developing qualities such as patience, discipline, teamwork, integrity and strategic thinking among students.
The principal expressed hope that the donation would lay the foundation for a stronger and enduring partnership between GCI, Contec Global and other stakeholders in the development of cricket in Nigeria.
