The Global Development Manager of International Cricket Council (ICC), William Glenwright, said his delegation are in Nigeria to explore the environment, facilities and how best ICC can provide support for Nigeria Cricket Federation and its players.
He stated this during a courtesy visit to the Government of Edo State as part of the ICC delegation 3-Day working visit to Nigeria.
Glenwright, who was accompanied by ICC Africa Regional Development Manager, Patricia Kambarami, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr. Uyi Akpata, players and officials of the state Cricket Association, commended Edo Government for the support towards the development of Cricket.
William Glenwright, stated: “It is no longer news to the world the impact of Edo State Government in sports development in Nigeria.
“We are here (Edo) to explore the environment, the facilities and how to provide the needed support for Nigeria Cricket Federation and Players.
“We are aware of the good Cricket Turf facilities and School programmes provided in the State and we hope to have a workable partnership to continue to develop Nigeria and particularly, Edo State Cricket Players to be globally competitive”, he assured.
Receiving the ICC delegation on behalf of the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, commended the delegation for the visit as well as the recognition accorded the state by ICC.
He commended EDSCA for the development of Cricket in Edo, pointing out the impact was responsible for the state’s recent international recognition for best social impact program, using Cricket as tool for social change at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in the state.
n his address, the President of NCF – Mr. Uyi Akpata informed the Deputy Governor of the role Edo State has played in making Nigeria Cricket achieve the status as the fastest developing sport in Nigeria.
“We have been able to achieve so much because of the platform we have been given by the Government and people of Edo State
.
“The State government has created the enabling environment and structures to make sports thrive and it is testament to the strong leadership in Edo, captained by His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki
“Edo State can now boast of having the only female High Performance Cricket Ceenter in the whole of West Africa located at Iyoba Girls College, Edo State”, he said.
High point of the day was the formal commissioning of Iyoba College Turf Wicket by ICC delegation.
