Says Enugu The Spiritual Home Of Cricket In The South East
The Enugu State Cricket Association has successfully conducted a one-day stakeholder’s seminar that brought together the big wigs of South East Cricket at Best Western Hotel, Enugu, Enugu state on 2nd September 2021.
Topical on the issues discussed were the revitalization of cricket in Enugu state through school programs, government support, and a strong move to get a new Cricket ground for Enugu State cricket.
The event started with the Nigeria national anthem followed by opening prayer by the patron of Enugu state cricket, Ven. Prof. Jacob Onyechi. The Chairman of Enugu State Cricket Association, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okogeri stressed that Enugu State is the spiritual headquarters of cricket in southeast Nigeria. He passionately prayed the commissioners present for government support in a bid to revive cricket in Enugu state.
The Enugu state cricket patron and Nigeria ex-international, Ven. Prof. Jacob Onyechi gave his keynote address giving an instance on how cricket was revamped in the University of Nigeria Nsukka when he came back from the UK and emphasized that revamping cricket is possible. He lauded the efforts of the Chairman of Enugu State Cricket Association Chairman, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okogeri.
Next was the presentation of the National cricket team jersey to the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, and the patron of Enugu cricket, Ven. Prof. Jacob Onyechi.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, emphasized on the passion of the governor for sports since he participated in school sports during his secondary school days and wants sports in schools to come back. He assured the readiness of the government to support sports.
The General Manager of NCF, Mr. Emeka Igwilo presented his keynote address which stood on the tripod stand of; the NCF 5 Key Strategic Imperatives, Cricket in Enugu State (Our memory) and How to revamp and sustain Cricket in Enugu State.
The immediate past South East Rep in the board of Nigeria Cricket Federation, Mr. Chika Okoro stressed the love he has for cricket which has been driving his developmental efforts for the game in the entire southeast zone. He thanked the Chairman of Enugu state cricket for the great initiative which will revive cricket in Enugu state.
Present at the event were immediate past South East Rep. Mr. Chika Okoro, The General Manager of NCF, Emeka Igwilo, the Chairman of Enugu State Cricket Association, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okogeri, the Global Cricket Citizen and past technical Director of NCF, Mr. Olisa Egwuatu, the Enugu State Cricket patron, Ven. Prof. Jacob Onyechi, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe (represented by the Director of Sports administration of the ministry of youth and sports, Mr. Sunny Okafor), Chairman of South East umpires, Ikem Asika, schools games masters, cricket coaches, members of the fourth estate, the Enugu Indian community, and other reputable cricketers.
The senior global cricket citizen, Mr. Olisa Egwuatu, opined that reviving cricket in Enugu is very possible and the template used in UNN to revive cricket will be applied in Enugu state.
The event ended with a panel of discussion where the floor was thrown open for questions and discussions.
Charles I. Obasi
South East Regional Development Officer,
Nigeria Cricket Federation
