The Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to reviving Cricket and other lesser-known sports, assuring that the administration’s investments in Sports infrastructure will create equal opportunities for athletes across all disciplines.
The Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwobilor Ananaba, stated this on Saturday, at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Edition of the South-East Cricket Championship held at Ibeku High School Umuahia.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Raymond Ukwa, representing the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwobilor Ananaba,
The four day tournament, organised by the South-East Cricket Association in collaboration with the Abia State Government, would run from Saturday through Tuesday and feature teams from across the geo-political region.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Raymond Ukwa, the Commissioner said that the State Government is determined to implement policies that promote Sports inclusivity and development.
He stressed that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is fully committed to transforming Abia into one of Nigeria’s leading Sports investment hubs.
“It might interest you to know that just about a month ago, we had the world travel to Abia State to play the Abia Fest International Para-badminton Championship with about 13 countries in attendance.
“We are not just investing in football, we are also investing in other sports, both track and field, and table sports as well.
“Sports is a contributor to the economy, and it is our goal to ensure that no sector will be left behind”, he said.
Ananaba who acknowledged that the absence of a standard Cricket Pitch had limited the sport’s growth in the State, assured that the issue was already receiving Government attention.
“Part of what you have noted is that we do not have the adequate pitch for you to play Cricket here. What we continue to do is to identify these problems and solve them”, he said.
According to him, the ongoing upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium is part of the present administration’s effort to create inclusive Sporting facilities for young talents.
“We are also planning to incorporate Cricket into our proposed Multi-use sports spaces, so that you can have the same experience you would have in South Africa or America”, he added.
In his remarks, the Zonal Representative of the South-East Cricket Association, Mr Chika Okoro, commended the Abia State Government for showing genuine commitment to Cricket development.
“We have had a series of obstacles along the way, but this is the first time we are having a government that is willing to partner with us, which is what we have always prayed for”, Okoro said.
He described the event as historic and expressed optimism that the Otti-led administration would significantly advance the Sport’s development.
“For me, this is a book-making ceremony, because big things start small. Gov. Alex Otti was brought into Abia State by God to wipe away the tears of many years and he is also going to wipe away the tears of Cricketers”, he said.
Okoro appealed for the construction of a standard Cricket Pitch, noting that cricket development required modest financial investment compared to other sports.
Veteran cricketer and former Nigerian National team player, Mr Chris Obasi, in an interview with Newsmen expressed delight over the revival of cricket in his State of Abia.
“I feel excited that my own state is giving this privilege to the younger ones. The Governor is a visionary and supportive leader, and I thank him for giving Ndi Abia the opportunity to be part of what is happening in the cricket world,” he said.
Zonal representative South East Cricket Association Mr Chika Okoro
Obasi therefore urged young players to remain focused and view Cricket as a viable career path.
Several young players participating in the tournament including 11-year-old Moses Ajagbo from Ebonyi State, Goodluck Agbo from Enugu State and Chukwujekwu Nwachukwu from Anambra State, shared their enthusiasm and appreciation for the government’s renewed interest in cricket.
They urged their various state government to sustain their support for Cricket as well as sponsor them to play in other parts of the country.
The Championship’s opening day featured thrilling matches as young Cricketers displayed impressive skill and teamwork.
Government Secondary School, Owerri, defeated Government Secondary School, Afikpo, by 10 wickets, while IDE Secondary School, Enugwu Ukwu, overpowered Regina Secondary School, Enugu, by 9 wickets.
In the final match of the day, Regina Secondary School bounced back to defeat Ohafia Model High School, Ebem Ohafia in Abia, by 36 runs.
