Prof Akpata returns as NCF President, pledges grassroots  development 

By Andrew Abah, Abuja

Prof. Uyi Akpata was overwhelmingly returned as the President for the 2nd term as the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) in an Elective Congress held weekend at the Media Centre, Package A of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Uyi emerged winner, though unopposed, pulled 47 votes from the 47 delegates who voted  at the  Congress. 

The President who enjoyed tremendous support from the delegates, said in the next four years, they are planning to have the Nigerian Super League and sponsors are already lining up to key into the programmes and others.

He said they have a lot to do with commercials and they have created a brand that will attract many sponsors while also urging the State governments and others to key into their projects.

His words: “We have a lot of programmes lined up. For instance, we have a lot to do with commercials. We have created a brand where we will now go out and meet sponsors and others… For instance, we want to do Super League and sponsors including state governments can key in.”

Wale Babalola won the position of the Vice president also with the same margin as Prof. Akpata.

For the Zonal Elections, Chika Okoro, will be representing the South East after he won his election. All the five members that represented the five states from the South East voted for him to emerge.

Similarly, Mr. Tayo Atoloye, got the support of the South West and was returned unopposed, with the six delegates from the South West casting their votes for him.

The same scenario played out with the North West as Usman Ladan, the sole candidate got all the seven votes cast.

It was a different case with South South Zone as it was contested between two candidates, Olufemi John and Darego Patribo. Olufemi won five votes against Darego’s one out of the six votes cast. 

There was drama in the North Central as the former President of the Federation, Chief Emeka Onyeama was defeated by Oludare Ayimola with five to two votes. Onyeama who was not happy with the outcome, stormed out of the venue while the supporters of Olufemi were busy celebrating.

There was also drama in the North East. While others had two candidates, the North East presented four before two withdrew – Amb. Usman Danjuma Ibrahim from Borno State and Musa Yale Usman from Bauchi State. However, Musa Sule Jamai was defeated by a female candidate, Zainab Isiaku Adamu by five to one votes.

Amidst tension, the election was conducted peacefully, free and fair. The new board members, led by Prof. Uyi Akpata were later presented with certificates of return and got sworn in.