The nomination of the president of Cricket Federation of Nigeria (NCF), Dr Uyi Akpata, as one of the recipients of this year’s Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, has continued to draw acclaim from national and international dignitaries.
From the home front, sports development minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, said the recognition of Uyi Akpata by Sportsville was a clear pointer of the great work the financial guru is doing with cricket in Nigeria.
“As a Ministry, we sincerely appreciate all you have been doing towards the growth of Cricket in Nigeria.
“We shall continue to support your good works to ensure the continuous development of the game in the country,” the Minister said in his goodwill message.
The International Cricket Development Manager in Africa, Patricia Kambarami, also sent his congratulatory message.
“Heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Sportsville Special Recognition Award for your remarkable contributions for the development of Cricket in Nigeria.
“Your dedication and efforts have not only elevated the sport, but have also made strides in fostering its growth across West Africa,” Kambarami added.
In the words of cricket guru, Ejiro Omonode, Uyi Akpata has taken the game of cricket to a new dimension in Nigeria.
“Uyi has transformed the game into a new dimension in the country. His dynamism and foresight have made cricket one of the most emerging and followed sports in Nigeria.
“I am happy that Sportsville is recognising all his efforts at repositioning the game,” added the Managing Director of Masters Sports International.
The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers of Nigeria (ACUSN) and Cricketers Club of Lagos also sent in their goodwill messages and lauded him for the innovation he has brought into cricket as the President.
Dr Uyi Akpata, a board member of Edo State Sports Commission and Chairman of the State Cricket Association, is top of the dignitaries to be honoured on Friday during the award ceremony holding at the EKO CLUB, Surulere Lagos.
