By Sharon Akhigbe Ekhiwere
The Edo State Cricket Association, alongside officials of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), has paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commissioner for Communications and Digital Economy, Engr. Ehijimetor Ohimai, as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships for cricket development in the state.
The delegation was led by National Women’s Team Head Coach and Edo State High Performance Manager, Theophilus Ibodeme, and included Head Coach and High Performance Manager of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Stephen Magongo, National Under-19 Women’s Team Coach Sarah Bhakita, Edo State Cricket Association Secretary Margaret Oki, Media and School Liaison Officer Agharese C. Okooboh, Technical Assistant and Coach Efosa Aghahowa, Facility Manager Nosa Agbonwanegbe, former international and Personal Assistant to the NCF President Kelvin Agbonwanegbe, Senior Special Assistant to the NCF President Osasu Agbonwanegbe, and Edo State Under-15 Girls Coach Osamudiamwen Ikpomwen.
The visit was aimed at formally introducing the national coaches to the commissioner and exploring areas of partnership that would further support the growth of cricket in Edo State.
Engr. Ohimai, himself a former cricketer and captain of the University of Benin Cricket Team, shares a long-standing connection with the sport. Before graduating from the university, he handed over the team captaincy to Theophilus Ibodeme, who now serves as Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team.
Speaking during the visit, Coach Ibodeme highlighted the role cricket continues to play in youth development, noting that coaches and administrators are helping shape the future of young Nigerians through sports.
According to him, the players are not only representing Edo State but also serving as ambassadors of Nigeria on the international stage. He added that sustained engagement in sports keeps young people away from social vices such as drug abuse, crime, cultism and kidnapping while providing opportunities to combine education with sporting careers.
Coach Ibodeme expressed confidence that the commitment of coaches and stakeholders would continue to secure a brighter future for young people, describing Edo State as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for youth development and sporting excellence.
Nigeria Cricket Federation Head Coach and High Performance Manager Stephen Magongo commended the Edo State Cricket Association for its contributions to the sport, describing the state as a model for cricket development in the country.
Magongo said his admiration for Edo’s cricket programme grew after repeatedly encountering talented players from the state during national camps and high-performance programmes.
“My first visit to Nigeria was during the girls’ high-performance programme last year, and I kept hearing about outstanding players from Edo State. The same thing happened during the national Under-19 boys’ trials. That convinced me that I needed to visit Edo to see what they are doing differently,” he said.
Responding, Commissioner for Communications and Digital Economy, Engr. Ehijimetor Ohimai, praised the Edo State Cricket Association and stakeholders for their commitment to developing the game despite prevailing economic challenges.
He particularly commended the Chairman of the Edo State Cricket Association, Dr. Uyi Akpata, for his investment in cricket development, including improvements to facilities and grassroots programmes.
The commissioner also acknowledged the dedication of coaches working with young players across the state and pledged to engage relevant government agencies to strengthen support for cricket.
He said he would hold discussions with the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Charity Amayanwu, as well as the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, with the aim of expanding government support for cricket development and youth engagement across Edo State.
