The Abia State Cricket Association, with the full backing of the Abia State Government, has commenced a 3-day “Train the Trainers” Cricket Course at the indoor facility of the Umuahia Township Stadium.
This initiative, holding for the second time in recent years, is part of the state’s broader sports revitalization strategy.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba, formally flagged off the event. In his opening remarks, he commended the Abia State Cricket Association for its proactive efforts in grassroots sports development and praised His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his unwavering support and approval of this vital training program.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring & Evaluation and Chairman of the Abia Cricket Development Forum, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, described the initiative as one of inestimable importance. He highlighted cricket’s strong emphasis on fairness and virtue, drawing from personal experiences to underscore the game’s value in building character. He encouraged participants to maximize this opportunity, stressing its potential to reposition Abia as a sports development hub.
The program facilitator, Mr. Olise Egwuatu, lauded the state government’s visionary approach to sports and emphasized the importance of building a robust cricket presence across all educational and community levels. He expressed optimism that the training would significantly contribute to the formation of a formidable cricket structure in the state.
Participants were drawn from secondary schools across Abia State and are being equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to coach and promote cricket within their schools and communities.
The Association Secretary, Ochea Idika Olivia Uju, expressed appreciation to His Excellency, the Honourable Commissioner, Mazi Okoroafor, Elder James Okwara (Cricket Chairman-designate), the Director and Management of the Sports Council, and all behind-the-scenes contributors for their steadfast support.
The training continues over the next two days, with participants expected to engage in hands-on sessions and interactive learning modules aimed at spreading cricket’s reach across Abia State.
Further updates will follow upon the conclusion of the event.
