Ebonyi Sports Director Seeks More Manpower, Says Cricket Has Come to Stay

The Director of Sports in Ebonyi State, Mr. Alep David, has called for increased manpower and more professional coaches in the State Sports Council, even as he declared that cricket has firmly taken root in the state.

Mr. David made the appeal during a familiarisation visit by executives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State chapter, led by its Chairman, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha. Speaking during the visit, the Director described cricket as one of the state’s most successful sports in recent years, noting that the team consistently returned with medals from national and international competitions.

“When I came into the state newly, hockey was one of the most fruitful teams until recently when cricket took over. Anytime they went out for competitions, they always came back with medals. Cricket is a game that has come to stay in Ebonyi,” he said. He, however, stressed the urgent need to strengthen the Sports Council with qualified coaches and technical personnel, revealing that the Council is currently grappling with low staff strength.

“The Sports Council lacks professional bodies; we lack coaches, and the staff strength is low. We are directors, and we must speak for sports development at every level we find ourselves,” he added. Mr. David noted that cricket, which once struggled in its early days like hockey, has grown significantly and is now making waves both nationally and internationally. He likened its steady rise to the growing influence of Abakaliki FC in football. He also commended the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru for its commitment to reviving and developing sporting activities beyond football in the state. The Director assured SWAN members of the association’s continued recognition at both state and national levels, pledging sustained collaboration. According to him, neither the present government nor the Commissioner for Sports would abolish SWAN, given its sincere support for sports development. He promised that the association would be carried along in key programmes and provided with office accommodation at the state stadium, in line with practices in other states. Describing SWAN as the “engine room of communication,” Mr. David urged members to project the positive strides in Ebonyi sports to the wider public. He expressed optimism that with collective effort and sustained government support, sports development in the state would witness greater growth in the coming years.

Earlier, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha appreciated the Director for the warm reception and affirmed that SWAN would continue to work in synergy with the Sports Council to ensure proper publicity of sporting activities.

Other stakeholders at the meeting, including former SWAN Chairman and Editor of the News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Opara, and the National Television Authority Sports Correspondent, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwante, commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for revitalising sports in the state.