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ICC Highlights Benefits of 360 Review of Tour To Nigeria

Published

6 years ago

June 25, 2019

In recognition of its modest contribution of the present Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF under the leadership of board Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwenya, the International Cricket Council 360 Reviews was in the country between 16^th -23^rd June 2019 for the holistic assessment and screening of Cricket activities in Nigeria.

In the one week tour ICC delegations meet with Federation Board Members, Officials from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Staff and administrators, sponsors and potential sponsors, members of the Press/Media, Stakeholders, Players and non-players of the sports, parents of players and whomever deemed necessary to get the required information needed.

The International Cricket Council 360 Reviews went into full swing yesterday 17th June 2019 in Abuja with activities starting at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

ICC team led by Independent Assessor Mr. Zul Ngofounja visited the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Alusade Adesola and also in attendance were senior directors from the ministry.

COMPLETE LIST OF ICC DELEGATES

Zul Ngofonja (Independent Assessor and Consultant with the ICC)
Andy Hobbs (Senior Manager, Development Services, ICC)
Patricia Kambarami (Regional Development Manager, ICC Africa)
Kuben Pillay (Data and Finance Officer, ICC Africa)
Justine Lyngialingi (Development Officer, ICC Africa)

The Permanent Secretary while receiving the delegates, in his welcome address, thanked the ICC officials for visiting Nigeria yet again with the ICC trophy still fresh in his mind and how much in recent times the Ministry and the Nigeria Cricket Federation have enjoyed a cordial relationship with ICC which had led to a significant improvement in all areas of the sports in Nigeria in the last 2 years. He also highlighted areas where Nigeria as a country and the ICC can continue to strengthen their working relationship to ensure continuous growth, development, and sustenance of the game.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwenya in his welcome address thanked the officials of the ICC for the opportunity to have the 360 Review and extended his gratitude to the Ministry for receiving the delegates from ICC on behalf of the Government and for their support for the game of Cricket in Nigeria. He briefly explained the purpose of the visit by ICC and formally introduced the delegated to the Ministry officials.

Responding on Behalf of the team from ICC, the ‘Senior Manager, Development Services ICC’ Mr. Andy Hobbs, thanked the Ministry for receiving them and explained in detail the purpose of the 360 reviews. Mr. Andy said that the entire exercise was to have a clearer picture of the sport in Nigeria in regards to Government involvement and support, Administration, Grassroots development, Media relations, Facilities and lots more, to enable the ICC and the Federation champion out the best way to grow the game in the country.

The next stop by the ICC team was the 3 Cricket Ovals located at the package B’ wing of the National Stadium which has one with a laterite surface, a completed turf wicket, and a second turf wicket still under construction. The team also visited the NCF office and was introduced to the staff of the Federation.

The afternoon session resumed with a press conference at the Media Center, of the National Stadium. The members of the high table which included guests from the ICC and the board of the Federation were introduced to members of the Media. The president of the Federation spoke on the Federation’s activities and achievements in the last 2 years, while Mr. Andy Hobbs explained the purpose of the 360 Review. The members of the press responded with questions which were duly answered in areas where necessary.

Mr Zul Ngofonja took over the 360 Review Sessions where he conducted the interactive session with the press asking questions in relation to how the game can be spread across the country using various medium available to the press, challenges faced and more.

The final session on day one ended with the ICC team meeting with the secretariat and technical staff of the Federation.

Day 2: ICC 360 Review (Abuja)

After a successful outing on day 1, The ICC resumed their tour on day 2 at the Velodrome, Package A’ Moshood Abiola Stadium, where the N.C.F had organized a grassroots program for over 250 school students from the FCT in recognition and participation of the ICC world CRIIO program which is centered around changing the narrative that cricket is inaccessible and expensive, rather reflecting the truth that cricket can be played by anyone, anytime and anywhere.

The ICC delegates expressed a lot of excitement at the turn out of the kids and also used the opportunity to participate and play.

Next in the line of activities was the meeting between the ICC team and players in the Abuja, male and female players from Kaduna State, captains and club representatives in Abuja, Sponsors and Potential Sponsors, Coaches and development personnel from Kaduna State, the Secretary-General of the Federation, Treasurer and assistant treasurers of the Federation and finally volunteers.

Day 3: ICC 360 Review (Lagos State)

The ICC team arrived Lagos on Wednesday 19th and headed straight to Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, the traditional home of Cricket in Nigeria where they met with the Lagos State Cricket association. Amongst the delegations was the Chairman of the Association Mr. Kofi Sagoe, Chairman of the Club Cricket Committee Mr. Charles Omoera. The next session featured sponsors and potential sponsors notably the chairman, Howzat Foundation for Cricket Chief Osatogiwa Osagie.

Next in Line were senior national team players residing in Lagos led by the captain Mr. Ademola Onikoyi.

Other players were Joshua Ayannaike, Leke Oyede, and Vice-captain of the U-19 team, Mohammed Taiwo. Players also domicile in the state as well had their chance to also had the chance of interfacing with the delegates from ICC. The ground staff of the Federation and volunteers was not left out.

Considering the fact that Lagos State is a powerhouse of the sport in Nigeria, there was a need to also have an interactive session with the media to channel out new ways for which the game can be taken to the local nooks and cranny in the less cricket oriented states.

Day 4: ICC 360 Review (Lagos State)

The ICC 360 review continued in Lagos on day 4 at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.

Activities began on the day with the ICC delegates meeting with state and national coaches. Coaches in attendance include National team male Mr. Uthe Clive Ogbimi, and female Mr. Musa Cyril, coaches from Osun state Mr. Isaac Obembe and Rivers State Mr. Cyril Djebah.

Next on the queue of activities were presentations by various zones. Edo State came with an entourage and made an elaborate presentation of Cricket activities in the last 3 years of development and administration.

Leading the delegates for Edo State was the Vice Chairman of the State Association, Barr. Abraham Oviawe

FULL LIST OF DELEGATE.

Abraham Oviawe Esq., Vice Chairman, ESCA.
Mr. Charity Igbinosa, Deputy Director (Technical), Edo State Sports Commission.
Mr. Richard Igbinadolor, Principal, Edo Boys High School.
Mr. Cyril Musa, Coach, Edo State Senior Female Team/ Assistant Coach, National Female Team.
Amb. Theophilus Adolphus Ibodeme, Coach, Edo Boys High School/ Edo State Under 15 & 17.
Miss Samantha Agazuma, Captain, State Senior Female Team.
Master Peter Aho, Captain, State Senior Team.
Miss Muni Abu, Data Officer, Edo Cricket League.
Master David Abiebhode, Acting Captain, Edo State under 15.
Master Prosper Useni, Captain, Edo Boys High School.

Also present during the presentation were Mr. Kelvin Agbonmwanegbe, Board Member, Edo State Cricket Association, Musa Ehizoje Bodie, P.R.O. Nigeria Cricket Federation/Board Member, Edo State Cricket Association, respectively.

Mr Uthe Clive Ogbimi, Former Regional Development Officer for South-South also gave a brief of cricket activities in other states of the South- South zone.

Next on the list of presentations was the South-East represented by the Regional Development Officer Mr. Charles Obasi, Mr. Tony Ajealu, Chairman, Imo State Cricket Association and the member representing South-East on the board of the N.C.F Mr. Chika Okoro.

Finally on the activities for the day was the session with some female cricketers in the country which included national and state team players. National team players include vice-captain, Samantha Agazuma and Hannah Ayoka, Timi Seaman and other players from Lagos State.

Day 5 and 6: (ICC 360 Review Lagos)

Day 5 resumed with the CRIIO concept participation in TBS, eleven schools with over 200 kids turned out for the exercise where the ICC team took part to have interactions with the kids. The ICC team then retired to have a retreat where all information that has been gathered over the course of their visit to Nigeria was collated, analyzed and a progress document produced for the Board of the Federation.

N.C.F BOARD MEETING (21st June 2019)

While the CRIIO program and the ICC retreat were ongoing, the Nigeria Cricket Federation was involved in a board meeting which started at 6.pm. The board meeting had in attendance, 11 board members, the Secretary General of the Federation Mr. Taiwo Oriss and the General Manager Mr. Emeka Igwilo. The board had a break at 12 midnight to resume 9.am the next day.

Board members regrouped at 9.am, 12th June to continue the meeting and at 11 am, the ICC 360 Review team was invited to make their presentations and recommendations to the board with relations to findings and information processed from all the data received over the week. The session ended with a group photograph with the board members. The meeting continued for the rest of the day.

The ICC 360 review team departed the shores on Sunday 23rd June 2019.

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Presidency Refutes Afenifere’s Deceitful Statement on President Bola Tinubu’s Midterm:

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Chief Sunday Dare

The statement from a factional Afenifere group raises serious concerns about a penchant and deliberate attempt to find faults and trade in deceit instead of objectivity. The group has found it challenging to accept that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s comeback story is firmly underway.

The rebellious Afenifere claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s performance over the past two years has witnessed a regression in human development, economic mismanagement, and democratic backsliding.

This is a jaundiced view, echoing the view of opposition politicians, one of whom the group supported in the 2023 election.

A balanced assessment based on available data reveals a more objective and progressive picture, with significant achievements amid the challenges expected from a country like Nigeria with decades-old problems.

Beyond its confounding conclusions based on prejudice, the statement raises the following issues. With the ensuing point-by-point clarification, it will become clear that the group’s position is neither grounded in facts nor logic.

Economic Reforms and Their Impact

The factional Afenifere’s claim that Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, have led to “unmitigated sufferings” and “economic deforms” seeks to draw attention to some of the challenges but overlooks the macroeconomic gains. The removal of the fuel subsidy, announced on May 29, 2023, saved the government over $10 billion in 2023 alone, reducing fiscal strain and redirecting funds to other sectors. Unifying the foreign exchange market and the naira’s floatation aimed to address distortions in the currency market, boosted foreign reserves to $38.1 billion by 2024 and achieved a trade surplus of N18.86 trillion for the country.

Under the Tinubu administration, Nigeria’s annual inflation rate fell to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in the prior month. Food inflation, the most significant component of the inflation basket, remained elevated but moderated to 21.26% from 21.79%

While these figures indicate stabilisation, the immediate impact on ordinary Nigerians is not lost. The government’s cash transfer programme, which provides funds to the poorest households and benefits over 5.7 million households, is a credible outreach.

However, dismissing the twin policies as “unforced errors” ignores the unsustainable nature of the previous subsidy regime and multiple exchange rate systems, which were draining public finances. A more balanced critique would acknowledge the necessity of reform while emphasising the need for better-targeted social safety nets.

As of today, the Tinubu administration has recorded over 900,000 beneficiaries of the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 600,000 beneficiaries of the Students’ Loan Scheme, NELFUND, N70,000 minimum wage, NYSC monthly stipend increase from N33,000 to N77,000, Free CNG kits distributed to thousands of commercial drivers across Nigeria with CNG buses rolled out in partnership with state governments, leading to a significant drop in transport costs. The administration also recorded over $10 Billion FX debt cleared, Federal account allocation to states growing by 60%, enabling more local development projects, N50 billion released to end the perennial ASUU strikes, and over 1,000 PHCs revitalised nationwide with an additional 5,500 undergoing upgrades.

The administration also disbursed N75 Billion in palliative funds to states and LGs for food distribution and cash transfers, over 150,000 youths are being trained in software development, tech support and data analysis under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) project, over 20,000 affordable housing units under construction under the renewed Hope cities program launched across Nigeria, N200 Billion in Loans to farmers and agro-processors. Other gains: over two million Nigerians are now connected to new digital infrastructure and community broadband hubs and public WiFi projects, 3.84% GDP growth in Q4 2024 (highest in 3 years), over $50 Billion in new FDI Commitments, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves up from $3.99 Billion (2023) to $23.11 Billion (2024), over $8 Billion in new oil and gas investments unlocked, and over $800 million realised in processing investments in solid minerals in 2024 and inflation as at April was down to 23.17%.

It is now pertinent to inquire from opposition leaders about alternative strategies they would propose in contrast to this administration’s extensive list of significant achievements currently benefiting Nigerians in real-time.

Cost of Governance and the Oronsaye Report

The assertion that the Tinubu administration has failed to implement the Oronsaye Report and instead increased governance costs is inaccurate. The Oronsaye Report, which recommends the merger or scrapping of government agencies to reduce expenditure, has not been fully implemented and has drawn criticisms; it must be noted, however, that the administration has made some efforts to improve fiscal discipline. The fiscal deficit was reduced from 5.4% of GDP in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, and the debt service-to-revenue ratio dropped from nearly 100% in 2022 to under 40% by 2024. The government also recorded over N6 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025, partly due to removing Ways & Means financing and fuel subsidies. These steps demonstrate fiscal prudence and will eventually translate into immediate, tangible relief for citizens. The administration is working earnestly to address these optics and prioritise cost-cutting measures, including implementing the Oronsaye Report, to restore public trust.

Allegations of Prebendalism and Corruption

Afenifere’s claim that the administration favours “the privileged and connected” through corrupt palliative distribution and mega-project allocations is questionable. Reports of palliatives being mismanaged or distributed through unverified channels have no doubt surfaced, raising concerns about transparency.

The administration has taken steps against corruption, such as suspending Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in January 2024 over alleged fund diversion, signalling some commitment to accountability. Critics may argue that more systemic action is needed, but dismissing all the efforts as propaganda overlooks these initial steps.

Without abusing Presidential powers, the administration is working on expediting action on all pending investigations and prosecution of corrupt practices. At the same time, critical agencies are collating credible evidence on ongoing corruption litigations. It must, however, be noted that in 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured a record-breaking 4,111 convictions, marking its most successful year since its inception. They recovered over N364 billion and significant amounts in foreign currencies, including $214.5 Million, $54,318.64, and 31,265 Euros.

The EFCC achieved its single most significant asset recovery in 2025, with the final forfeiture of an Abuja estate measuring 150,500 square meters and containing 725 units of duplexes and other apartments. The EFCC concluded the final forfeiture and handed the estate to the Ministry of Housing in May 2025.

Democratic Concerns and Centralisation

Afenifere’s accusation that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a “one-party state totalitarianism” and undermining democratic institutions is unsupported and lacks merit. The claim of neutralising the legislature and judiciary is also a false alarm.

The public should note that the Supreme Court has upheld opposition victories in states like Kano, Plateau, and Abia, suggesting judicial independence. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for allegedly appointing individuals said to be ruling party affiliates, but no evidence confirms these appointees are card-carrying APC members.

The allegation that the Tinubu government cracks down on peaceful protesters is primarily unfounded. It is a regurgitated rhetoric deployed under previous administrations as a reflection of broader challenges in Nigeria’s democratic culture.

The issue of the State Police is more complex than the oversimplified approach of the factional Afenifere’s statement. Every administration policy is subject to security impact assessment before implementation, and there is a difference between the State Police being widely advocated and a Police State that critics may blame the Federal Government for if implemented without caution.

Security and Social Welfare

Contrary to the impression created, the administration’s security record is impressive. Over 13,500 terrorists, bandits, and insurgents have been neutralised and 7,000 arrested in the past year, though there is still some news of abductions and violent attacks. The administration’s proactive response to security-related matters has paved the way for more farmers to return to their farms, impacting food production and supply.

The administration also embarked on agricultural initiatives, including tractor procurement, fertiliser distribution, and increased mechanisation.

The government has also not relented on its Regional Development drive as the administration succeeded in establishing Development Commissions across 6 Geopolitical zones (South West, North West, North Central. North East, South East and the Niger Delta) to empower communities and accelerate developments.

Political Climate and 2027 Elections
The claims of government-sponsored conflicts within opposition parties lack concrete evidence and should be ignored.

Economic reforms are undoubtedly laying the foundation for long-term stability, with GDP growth at 4.6% in Q4 2024 and a Fitch B credit rating upgrade as evidence. Moody’s Investors Service’s latest upgrade of Nigeria’s rating from Caa1 to B3, with a Stable Outlook, indicates that the Tinubu administration is on the right path.

The government is not oblivious to some discontent and difficult times among Nigerians. There is an urgency to deliver more tangible results, which is guaranteed given the impressive performance of the administration in just two years.

Afenifere’s statement saw the cup as half empty. On the contrary, it’s half full. Under President Tinubu’s administration, some of Nigeria’s hydra-headed problems are being tackled headlong.

The administration has achieved fiscal improvements, such as reduced deficits and increased revenues, which will eventually translate into meaningful microeconomic relief for most Nigerians in the short term, even as the government moves to address these issues with greater empathy and transparency.

The administration’s demonstrable priorities are securing the nation, fixing the economy, and improving human capital development.

Responsible citizens and political leaders must work collaboratively with the administration to address the challenges and counter disinformation, as highlighted in the admonition against fake news and deceptive AI videos.

Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is turning the corner. From stabilising the naira and curbing inflation to reducing debt burdens and

expanding access to education and health, the administration delivers bold reforms with actual results. With improved security, regional inclusion, anti-corruption measures, and institutional rebuilding, Nigeria’s comeback story is not yet complete — but it is firmly underway.

– Sunday Dare is the Special Adviser to Mr. President on Media and Public Communications.

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