By Adeyemi Robinson-Adefioye, Lagos
Former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode joined Professor Giwa Bello-Osagie on Sunday January 16, for the commissioning of the turf wicket of the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
The TBS Oval, the nation’s traditional home of cricket has been shut for 18 months for upgrade from concrete bowling strips to grass which has been one of the challenge for the development of the sport.
Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie. While commissioning the turf wickets challenged cricketers and stakeholders to pull resources together to further the growth of the game.
“I am glad at the level of development that this ground has undergone. This ground hold a lot of memories and mean much to the history of Nigeria and cricket.”
Mr Ambode said the game of cricket is capable of helping instil discipline and critical life skills in the youth.
“I think critical to success in any endeavor in life are the soft skills that the game of cricket teaches and we are very happy at the recent uptick in the development of the cricket. This turf wicket compliments all the effort of the administration in growing the game and I believe we would in no time feel its impact.”
President of the Nigeria Cricket federation, Uyi Akpata, added the facility upgrade has increased the number of top flight cricket grounds in the country to seven in just one year that the Federation commenced the project.
“Facility upgrade scores very high on our agenda and the TBS is very critical in that sphere as it is Nigeria’s frontline facility.”
Akpata says that this easily puts Lagos on the map with two top facilities capable of hosting world class events including the University of Lagos grounds in Akoka. Meanwhile Nigeria’s biggest cricket League, the CCC (Club Cricket Committee) League, will have its elite division games on the grass wickets.
Two commemorative games were played at the launch of the event, the first was the between selected present and past national team players and other top cricketers in the country(elites). The selected international won by 11 runs.
The veteran’s game (Over 50’s)which featured a number invited cricket stakeholders and ex internationals across the country saw the former president of the Federation, Kwesi Sagoe pitched against the Kome Agodo’s side.
Other top Cricketers that graced the event included, Chuma Anosike, Professor Jacob Onyechi (Teamber), Femi Olayiwole, Okon Ukpong, Uthe Ogbimi, Omini Ofem, Baranaby Ephraim, Wale Obalola, Charles Omoera, Dipo Idowu and Kofi Sagoe.
