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NCF/PwC Tourney a platform for nurturing future cricket stars in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

It was an array of talent discovery and unforgettable experiences for players and all stakeholders.

The 6th edition of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF)/PwC National Championship concluded in grand style at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, leaving behind a trail of talent discovery and unforgettable moments for players and stakeholders.

Despite notable improvements from other zones, the South-South male and female teams displayed sheer dominance throughout the competition, winning all their matches and ultimately clinching the championship titles.

This marks their sixth consecutive victory in the girls’ event and their fifth triumph in the boys’ category, reinforcing their stronghold on the prestigious tournament.

In the male category, the South-South team asserted their supremacy by defeating their South-West counterparts, while the South-East team secured third place.
Meanwhile, the South-South female team continued their dominance, successfully defending their title for the sixth consecutive time by overcoming the South-East team in the final.
Speaking after the event, the President of the NCF, Mr. Uyi Akpata, commended the sponsors, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), for their continued support in advancing cricket development in Nigeria.

“For the Federation itself, there has been significant improvement in the tournament. When you look back over the past six years, you can see the remarkable growth in the quality of play. The standard has been elevated,” Akpata noted.

He further attributed part of the success to the inspiring performance of Nigeria’s Under-19 girls’ team in Malaysia, which has motivated young players across the country.

“This tournament is about holistic development, and we are beginning to witness a truly competitive spirit across all zones. I am really excited about what the future holds,” he added.
Also speaking, the representative of PwC, Mr. Tolu Adeleke, emphasized that the championship has successfully unearthed fresh talent capable of representing Nigeria on national and international platforms.

“Today’s final was the climax of an exciting tournament, especially the match between the South-South and South-West teams. There was a particular young boy who entered the game with immense focus and determination to support his team.

“Although his team didn’t win, the tournament is not just about victory—it’s about participation, passion, and growth. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm displayed by these young players,” Adeleke remarked.

He expressed confidence that the championship has groomed many emerging talents who could soon feature in Nigeria’s Under-19 teams and eventually transition to the senior national squad.

With another successful edition concluded, the NCF/PwC National Championship continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing future cricket stars in Nigeria.

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Sexual Harassment Allegation In The Senate Negates National Cohesion

Published

5 hours ago

March 12, 2025

The Gleamer

Cases of sexual harassment have been existing even beyond Nigeria.
Only recently, it reared its ugly head in the National Assembly, particularly in the hallowed chamber of the Senate where an accusation by a sitting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she was a victim of sexual harassment by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
This was after she had been relocated to another seat in the chamber, in what is generally considered a routine and not an uncommon scenario.
Apparently the change of seat did not go down well with the Kogi Central Senator who turned round to allege that she was being victimised because she had turned down overtures of sexual affiliation with Akpabio.
The allegation and subsequent six months suspension of Natasha for breaching rules and procedure after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges reviewed the matter is to say the least worrisome.

Issues bordering on sexual harassment are however now more prominent with politicians, celebrities and those in offices of authority, especially where ‘favour’ is often dished out.
The Akpabio-Natasha imbroglio is coming at a time when there is need for cohesion and consensus among the members of the Senate to move the nation forward given our parlous state of economy and national development.
Before now, both have had informal cordiality dating years before they met at the National Assembly.
It is sad that dirty linens are being washed in the public such that those remotely or closely related to the incident at the NASS have been subjected to the cleaners and their moral standing subjected to scrutiny.
Many individuals, groups and even government agencies have taken a stance in the public domain with a demeaning effect on national cohesion.
We see this situation as a huge distraction for the Senate as court cases have been instituted by Natasha and even Akpabio’s family on different issues.
While not labeling Akpabio as a culprit in this matter as we are not exposed to facts behind the scene, there is reason for those in authority to be conscious that they hold positions in trust for the people and at all times put the interest of the nation first in the discharge of their duties.
In this vein, NASS should seek ways to mitigate crisis of any nature as well as review the suspension slammed against Natasha to a less-severe punishment on the issue of negating Senate rules and procedure so that the people of Kogi Central will not be left for too long without a representation in the upper legislative chamber.
We are of the view that there is a need for unity of purpose among NASS members to enhance national cohesion for development in this trying period of our nation.

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