Uyi Akpata Boasts of Akwa Ibom cricket developmental strides

Uyi Akpata Boasts of Akwa Ibom cricket developmental strides

By Akanimo Kufre

The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) Mr. Uyi Akpata last Friday led the team of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) to tour and commission cricket practice nets within the Uyo metropolis. During the visit, Mr. Akpata extolled the giant contributions of Akwa Ibom cricket players before the Commissioner of Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Monday Ebong Uko who was represented by the Director of Sports on behalf of Akwa Ibom State government.

The ICC entourage was in Nigeria for a two-day World Cup Trophy tour but insisted on seeing other areas where the country’s developmental success originated especially in female cricket development.

“When ICC officials wanted to visit Nigeria and said we must deliberately go somewhere else outside Lagos and Abuja, who else gives us that credibility of our agenda especially as it relates to the diversity agenda of cricket other than Akwa Ibom State? Akwa Ibom has been consistent over the last ten years. It has been the biggest pipeline for our female national team. So, in the last ten years I can’t remember where there has been endless cricket and four players consistent in the national team.

“So as of today, I know the Akwa Ibom players names offhand – Blessing Etim- national captain, Esther Sandy- opening batter, Sarah Etim- wicket-keeper and Salome Sunday- one of the top female batters among cricket associate countries in Africa. What is most instructive is that these talents are developed just out of nothing except the passion and commitments of individuals here- Akwa Ibom players and stakeholders.

“When we considered where to give something back for the game’s development, it was obvious it was going to be Akwa Ibom. When we properly aligned, we made a request about two years ago and said we now want a place where we can create our hub for cricket in the State. We thank the State government for the initiative to partner and provide a space for the Net construction and pitch development. We are proud to have this kind of partnership with the government.” Mr. Akpata expressed his delight.

One of the high points of the visit was the presentation of the national team jersey to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno as an honorary team member of Nigeria National Cricket team. This exercise was conducted by the NCF president while the Director of Sports received it on behalf of the governor.

The Cricket Practice Net construction was sponsored by PET Foundation with Mrs. Uyi Akpata on the foundation board as Chairman. The net was commissioned for immediate use at the playgrounds of Community Secondary Commercial School Ibiaku Itam along Calabar-Itu Road, Uyo.

Among the dignitaries present at the commissioning were the representative of the Commissioner, Mr. Ifiok Duff, and Prof. Emem Bassey, Bar. Etetim Onuk, Itu Council Chairman, represented by Hon. Peter Edem, Director of School Sports, Mr. Emmanuel Ebong. In the ICC entourage were, Mr. William Glenwright, ICC General Manager, Development, and Rohit Poddar, Senior Manager, Member Service. Others include Mrs. Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager, Africa, and Mr. Emeka Igwilo, General Manager, Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).

Mr. Akpata further observed that ICC’s second visit has caused other African countries to be envious of Nigeria.

“For our special guests, this is their second visit to Nigeria in a very short time, Seeing this partnership with the government is overwhelming and the media thing going on at the same time. I mean 19 other countries in Africa will be envious of the ICC visit to Nigeria within a short period. But they inspire us, especially when they see that inspiration and action come from a very good partnership with the government. This is why we are here and I am sure they will see for themselves the opportunities that exist. Thank you very much.”

Another program at the school ground was the Naija Kids Cricket where about 250 kids participated in a 2-day cricket clinic. It is NCF's objective to introduce 500 new kids to the game of cricket every year and the NCF president said the template has been deployed to Akwa Ibom as a standard.

Most sports enthusiasts believed that if Akwa Ibom state could produce 5 female players for the national female team from playing on school bare grounds, the practice net experience would certainly fast-track the next level of achievements for the country coupled with a proposed cricket oval donation.