By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has honoured the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom Assembly, Barr KufreAbasi Edidem, in recognition of his contributions to the development of cricket in the state.
This is even as it held a cricket exhibition match to mark the commissioning of a new wicket turf at the Community Secondary Commercial School (COMSECOM), Ibiaku Itam, in Itu Local Council of the state.
The turf wicket, donated by Uyi Akpata, the National President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, according to him was aimed at advancing the game of cricket in the State.
Unveiling the facility, Edidem commended Akpata for his untiring efforts to propel the growth of cricket in Nigeria and stressed the importance of the new facility in nurturing future cricket talents, acknowledging local players such as Blessing Etim and Inyene Umoh, who have made waves in the cricket scene.
He also lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its initiative in hosting the ongoing sports festival in the State adding that it was heartwarming that this year’s festival focused more on human capacity development rather than solely on infrastructure.
Edidem, who is the lawmaker representing Itu state constituency, acknowledged the festival’s impact in bringing joy to the youths of the Niger Delta region and encouraged further efforts to engage young people in sports and youth development.
Akpata, in a remark said that the motivation behind the establishment of the new cricket turf was in recognition of Akwa Ibom’s abundant cricket talent, including three players who have made it to the national team.
The president also revealed plans by his foundation to offer scholarships to students from the school who show a keen interest in pursuing cricket professionally and expressed optimism that the new turf would become a prominent venue for national cricket competitions.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the deputy speaker showcased his cricket skills, bowling a ball on the newly commissioned turf while Ubong Nkutt, Chairman of Itu Local Council also took a turn, much to the delight of the cricket community and the spectators present.
Other Speakers at the occasion said said the event was a celebration of both cricket’s growing popularity in Akwa Ibom and the collaborative efforts of the deputy speaker and other stakeholders in promoting the game of cricket.
