By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Cricket Federation (NCF), Government College Ibadan (GCI) Cricket Council and the school’s alumni have commended Contec Global Group, New Delhi, India, for donating cricket equipment to the institution to promote the development of the sport among young Nigerians.
The equipment was formally handed over to GCI at a ceremony held at the school premises, with stakeholders describing the donation as a significant boost to grassroots cricket development, particularly across the South-West.
The NCF President, Mr. Uyi Akpata, represented at the event by a board member of the federation, Mr. Endurance Ofem, said the federation appreciated Contec Global for supporting efforts to expand cricket participation in Nigeria.
Akpata said the equipment would assist the federation in achieving its target of introducing more young people to the sport and strengthening its grassroots structures.
“Our target is reaching over 250,000 new cricketers every year. What we have tried to do is take the game through the State Cricket Associations, and now we are going through the alma maters, with GCI becoming one of those big hubs,” he said.
He also commended Contec Global representatives, Mr. Atul Saraf and its Vice President, Mr. Tunde Ayansanwo, as well as Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, who facilitated the donation.
Ighodaro, a 1961 GCI alumnus, said the initiative followed an online report he came across about the production of cricket equipment in India.
According to him, he subsequently contacted his friend, Dr. Benoy Berry, Chairman of Contec Global, for assistance, adding that Berry responded by procuring the equipment for the school.
Ighodaro said the initiative went beyond providing sporting materials, stressing that cricket could be used to instil discipline, patience, honesty, respect for rules and sportsmanship among students.
He disclosed that GCI old boys had produced more than 13 national cricket team players and two national captains.
He also noted that the cricket authorities now require players under the age of 18 to wear helmets while batting as part of safety measures.
The Vice Chairman of the GCI Cricket Council, Mr. Ladipo Idowu, described the school as an institution with a rich history and pedigree in Nigerian cricket.
He said GCI had, over the past seven decades, served as a major source of players for Nigeria’s junior and senior national cricket teams.
Idowu listed former GCI students including Chris Enahoro, Jide Bademosi, Kola Mosogu, Bayo Ayodebi, Deji Otegbeye and Seye Fadahunsi among those who represented Nigeria and served as captains or vice-captains of the senior national team.
“Between the late 1970s and the mid-1990s, more than 14 GCI old boys played in Nigeria’s senior national team. This speaks volumes about GCI’s cricket pedigree,” he said.
Idowu said the NCF had also granted GCI elite school status, making it the only school with such status in Oyo State.
He added that the GCI Cricket Council and NCF remained focal points for school cricket development in the state.
He expressed appreciation to Contec Global for the donation, assuring the company that the equipment would be judiciously used to develop young talents.
Speaking on behalf of Contec Global Group, Mr. Atul Saraf described the donation as an honour and privilege for the company, noting that cricket was deeply rooted in Indian culture.
“As an Indian, cricket is not just a game for the populace; it is an emotion that connects people beyond boundaries, cultures and nationalities,” he said.
Saraf said Contec Global was delighted to partner with GCI through the donation, adding that the company hoped the equipment would inspire young players and contribute to the development of the institution.
He said the initiative was also aimed at encouraging young talent, promoting sports and strengthening the relationship between India and Nigeria.
He urged the students to play with passion, support their teammates, respect their opponents and give their best, stressing that cricket was also about building character and confidence.
According to him, the sport teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership and excellence, while the company hoped the equipment would help produce future champions from GCI.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, expressed gratitude to Contec Global for the gesture.
Oresegun said the donation would deepen students’ interest in cricket and assured the donors that the equipment would be properly maintained and optimally utilised.
He noted that cricket promotes patience, discipline, teamwork, integrity and strategic thinking, adding that the school would leverage those values to support the sporting and academic development of its students.
He expressed hope that the donation would mark the beginning of a stronger and enduring partnership between Nigeria and India.