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NCF Vows To Deliver More Value To Cricket Community

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2019

Joel Ajayi

When the newly elected board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), under the able leadership of Prof Yahaya Ukwanya assumed the office two years ago, the board equivocally pledged that its priority was to focus more on development of the game cricket in the country.

The mother luck may have played a significant role in the success story so far, even unrepentant critics of the present leadership of the NTF would agree that the board have brought positive motion to the aspirations and ambitions with regards to cricket game in Nigeria through the robust improve programs that have no doubt brought the physical growth and development of the game in the country and beyond.

Speaking on the occasion of two years in office which coincides with the International Cricket Council ICC visitation to Nigeria on the 360 review tour in Abuja on Monday the NCF President Prof. Ukwanya said the federation would leave no stone unturned to ensure the speedy growth of the game in Nigeria and in the world.

He assured that the present board would continue to do our possible best to deliver value to the Nigeria cricket community and create a conducive environment for our young talents to thrive.

According to him, so much has been learned on this journey so far and the board can say that it has been as challenging but with the development of the game.

“We are able to have a constitution through a deliberation approved by all stakeholders for entire practitioners of the sport.

“We have improved in some major areas that we have not done enough in the past years.

One of this area was facilities these have been a big challenge but we have done some work both in Lagos and in Abuja, two of our pitchers are right now up 70% playing standard completely.

“In the area of facilities, we are trying to provide facilities that can attract international competition in the country. We are going to improve on regional facilities this is where most of the development programs are being taken place.”

Another area that we have improved on is Development; “we are targeting 10,000 children every year. As we speak enrollment state by state is going on. We are looking at making cricket available to more Nigerian we have been walking on increase playing numbers of new children playing cricket, As a matter of fact, the volume of cricket played in the last two years has been increasing.

“We are engaging ourselves in the team’s building for both male and female team from Under-19 to National team. We brought new philosophies that will make our player to go out there and represent our country and make us proud.”

He added: “Our Domestic competitions have improved Nigeria now attend more competitions in the past two years.”

“I will not forget our financing, administration that we use to recorded huge failure in the past, we indeed work so hard to ensure there transparency and accountability to all stakeholders and even to the ICC.

Not to forget the recent award of the best for development programmes in Africa at the ICC award in Nambia by Nigeria.”NCF President equally commended the relentless media, who have been very gracious in covering and documenting our every step.

He equally urged all the stakeholders, the state government to join the federation by investing in the game which will bring growth and development to the country.

Ukwanya thanked entire board members whose entire actions have contributed so much to the success of this administration so far.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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