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Cricket Federation Puts Women’s Development To Test

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The Nigeria Cricket Federation has put together the maiden age-grade international tournament for the Women’s Under-19 national team, the Nigeria-Ghana Under-19 Women Series.

The event is a four-team invitational event that kicked off on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the University of Lagos Cricket Oval. It parades Ghana’s Under 19 National Team, the South-West female team, a selected national Women’s team, and Nigeria’s Under 19 Women’s Team.

According to the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata, the event is meant to test the Federation’s development effort for Women’s Cricket.

“Apart from getting the Women’s Under 19 team in shape for the Division One World Cup Qualifier starting September 22nd in Kigali, this event allows us to test the depth of our Women’s development.  For the first time, we are parading three teams of national team quality and invited Ghana’s Under 19 Women to join.”

Akpata said that the strategic objective of the Federation is to attain gender equality in its developmental effort.

“We have had our school outreaches focused a bit more on girl-child initiatives and it has been yielding results. The impact is beginning to resonate for the country already.” He added.

The Female National Team put up a podium performance at the African Games in Accra earlier in March ahead of the Male team with a Bronze medal, justifying the investment in female Cricket development in the country.

“We now have a female Cricket League run in the South-South, with eight teams taking part and a fully functional Cricket facility inside an all-girl Iyoba College in Benin City, Edo State.” He added.

The ongoing Nigeria-Ghana Under 19 Women Series complements these initiatives and also helps the national Under 19 Women’s team shape up for the World Cup Qualifier that is scheduled for September 22nd to 29th at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B of the eight-team series that parades Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi. Group A has Rwanda, Namibia, Uganda, and Kenya.

“Development is an ongoing process, carefully curating the process that produces and hones our players’ skill is key for us. Of course, we are looking forward to picking the World Cup ticket, but it will be better if we keep refining the process that produces and makes our players better.”

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Ibadan Marathon Will Drive Business Growth, Foster Community Spirit, Spotlight Local Talents-Gov Makinde

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Joel Ajayi

Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the Ibadan Marathon will boost local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen community bonds.

He made this statement during a world press conference in Ibadan, where he was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke.

“This initiative not only promotes health and fitness but also supports our local economy while showcasing the beauty of our vibrant city,” he remarked. “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress.”

The governor further highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, and spurring economic growth.

Savvy Events Limited CEO, Miss Arinola Idowu, and franchise owner of the Ibadan Marathon, shared that the 2024 event is designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history, with the theme ‘ERE IDARAYA.’ She emphasized that the event aims to support small businesses, engage youth, and elevate the city’s brand.

The Ibadan Marathon is a joint initiative between the Oyo State Government and Savvy Events to position Oyo State as a hub for sports, commerce, and entertainment, in line with the governor’s agenda for infrastructural development and youth empowerment.

This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by GRADE A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks. Both races will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday, November 2, starting at 7 am for the marathon and 10 am for the fun run.

Registration is now open at www.ibadanmarathon.com for both the 42.195km full marathon and the 10km fun run.

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