Nigerian Cricket Federation, GCI Alumni Commend Contec Global India For Donating Equipment For Nigeria’s Sport Devt

The President, Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr. Uyi Akpata, the Vice Chairman, Government College, Ibadan, Cricket Council (GCICC), Mr. Ladipo Idowu and the Principal of GCI, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, have expressed profound appreciation to Contec Global, New Delhi, India, for donating various cricket equipment to the school to reawaken and deepen the game among students across South-west Nigeria.

Also commending the company on Wednesday at the elaborate handing over ceremony of the equipment at the school premises was Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, a 1961 Alumni responsible for fast-tracking the equipment from India to Nigeria.

NCF President who was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Endurance Ofem, a board member of the federation, said – We appreciate Contec Global, India for this gesture that will uplift cricket development and penetration in Nigeria.

Akpata, acknowledged that the equipment will assist the federation in its drive to expand the numbers of participants of the game every year and to take the game to the grassroot.

“Our target is reaching over 250,000 new cricketers every year. And what we have tried to do is take the game through the State Cricket Association, and now I’m going through the Alma-maters and GCI has become one of those big hubs.

“What is happening today will be reported as one of our key activities in Nigerian cricket. So, on that note, I would like to thank the Company’s representatives, Mr. Atul Sarafa and its Vice President, Mr. Tunde Ayansanwo, who worked day and night to make this happen and also Mr. Ighodaro, the facilitator.”

In his remark, the facilitator of the equipment, Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, who is a friend of the Chairman of the Company, Dr. Benoy Berry, said he read an article online about the production of cricket equipment in India and without wasting much time, he got across to Dr. Berry (his friend) for support wh.

According to him, it was that call that made the miracle as Dr. Berry never wasted in procuring the equipment which are being handed over today to the school.

On the importance of cricket for national development, Ighodaro said: “We are here not just about the equipment and as the principal has said we want to use cricket to teach our boys to be gentlemen, to learn discipline, patience, honesty and respect for laws and sportsmanship.

“GCI old boys have already produced over 13 National Cricket Team players and 2 National Captains.

“The Cricket Council now directs that all players under 18 must wear helmets when batting if you don’t wear a helmet, you don’t play.”

Mr. Ladipo Idowu, the Vice Chairman GCI Cricket Council, also an Alumni, admitted that GCI is a school that is rich in cricket history and pedigree.

Fielding questions from journalists at the sideline of the event, he said: “Over the past 7 decades, GCI has been the veritable supply vessel of youngsters for the Nigerian national cricket teams at both the junior and senior levels.

He mentioned the likes of: Chris Enahoro, Jide Bademosi, Kola Mosogu, Bayo Ayodebi, Deji Otegbeye and Seye Fadahunsi amongst others that have adorned the national colour and held the captaincy or vice-captaincy of Nigeria’s senior national team.

“Between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, More than 14 GCI old boys played in the Nigeria’s senior national team. This speaks volumes about GCI’s cricket pedigree.” He added.

Idowu, explained that it is pleasing to know that the federation have been working hand in hand for the development of the sport, adding: “The NCF has also granted GCI the elite school status the only one such school in the whole of Oyo State.

“We and the NCF are the focal points for school cricket development in Oyo State.

“In recognition of the enormity of this project, we reached out beyond our Alumni organisation to other sports and cricket friendly individuals and organisations for support.

“Today’s occasion is a demonstration of the support that has started coming our way.

“On behalf of GCI Cricket Council, I express our most profound appreciation and gratitude to Contec Global, New Delhi for the donation of the wonderful cricket equipment that are laid out at the back there and I assure you sir that they will be judiciously used to develop talents.”

He said cricket is a character moulding game known as the gentleman’s game.

In his remark, Mr. Atul Saraf, who spoke on behalf of the Company, said, it is a great honour and privilege to be in Nigeria on behalf of Contec Global Group, India for the handing ceremony of the cricket equipment.

He reiterated that as an Indian, cricket is not just a game for the populace, it is an emotion that connects people beyond boundaries, cultures, and nationalities across the country.

“We are delighted to partner with Government College Ibadan through this cricket equipment donation.”

Contec Global Group, he said has been contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development across various sectors, adding: “We hope that this equipment will inspire young players and help and further contribute to making this institution greater.

“Through this initiative, we aim to encourage young talent, promote sports, and strengthen the bond between India and Nigeria.

“To all cricket players here today, my message is simple, play with passion, support your team mate, respect your opponent and always give your best.

“Remember that it is not always about winning, the game is about building character, confidence with a winning heart

We at Contec Global, believe cricket teaches us discipline, teamwork, leadership, and the spirit of excellence. We hope these equipment will inspire young players and help create future champions from this great institution.

The school principal, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, who received the equipment on behalf from Contec Global management, said: “We are also deeply grateful to Content Global for this thoughtful donation of cricket equipment to our school.

“I wish to assure you that this equipment will go a long way in deepening the interest of our students in the game of cricket.

“We promise to take special care of it, to ensure its durability and optimal use. We are not unmindful of the character building nature of cricket.

“A game that teaches patience, discipline, teamwork, integrity and strategic thinking.

We intend to maximize these values to the fullest in ensuring good sporting and academic development of our boys.

Once again, we deeply appreciate this kind gesture and we hope that this is the beginning of a more fruitful and enduring partnership between Nigeria and India.”