The Nigeria Cricket Federation successfully conducted her Annual general Meeting for the year 2020 via Zoom online platform. The meeting had in attendance Board members, Staff representatives of various state chapters, Stake holders and observers.
The Meeting began at 10:10am in the morning with the President of the Federation Prof. Yahaya Adam Ukwenya leading proceedings. Meeting began with the National Anthem and opening prayer which was taken individually. President Ukwenya confirmed that a quorum had been formed and proceeded to introduce the Agenda for the meeting to the general assembly.
Minute of the last meeting was read and the president advised that a copy should be sent to all delegates where corrections can be made and sent back to the secretariat of the Federation. Ogubehi Blessed from Abia State moved a motion for the adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting and the motion was seconded by Mr. John Ayangbemi from Ekiti State.
MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MINUTE
The President reminded the Full Council of the pending suspension of the former President of the Federation Engr. Emeka Onyeama, with an update that he is still yet to appear before the disciplinary committee. Members of the full council advised that the matter should be raised during the AOB so everyone could react appropriately.
Update on the Cricket Equipment from VEGA and donations from Australia were given by the President where he gave detailed explanations on the reasons for delay and timelines for which the Equipment will be received by the Federation.
President gave his opening remarks on various issues as it bothers on the Federation. Reports about the
- Under 19 world cup
- Technical Capacity building for coaches, umpires, staff, grounds-men.
- Cash Palliatives for National Team players during the lockdown period
- Palliatives to various states by the TBS 4’0clock group
- Accelerated Growth Program
- Field Officer’s appointment
- GIS Mapping System to be used by NCF Field Officers and Coaches
- Appointment of a New Head Coach
- All outstanding debt paid
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
The General Manager of the Federation Mr. Emeka Igwilo gave detailed report of Cricket activities in the year 2020 both on and off the field, highlighting the successful adaptation to virtual engagements due to the Covid-19 pandemic that have restricted physical meetings and activities. He also gave a projection into the activities expected to be engaged in by the Federation in 2021. Slide presentation of the GM’s report also available on request.
Reactions from Dr. Oliver Ngwoke, Mac’ Farlane Ejah, appealed for NCF to prioritize Cricket Facilities in the city center and also make training equipment readily available to aid coaching and coaches.
Mr. Tony Ajealu made a special request that the new Head Coach should be allowed to tour other parts of the country to meet with indigenous coaches and provide closure.
The External Auditor Mr. Raji Raseed had technical difficulties and was unable to join the meeting and as such, the Vice President Mr. Uyi Akpata, gave a detailed breakdown of the Financial Audited Report for the year 2019. Dr. Mac Farlane Ejah moved a motion for the adoption of the Financial Audited report for 2019 and was seconded by Mr. Afolabi Tajudeen from Zamfara State.
President of the Federation, Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya, introduced the ICC Anti-doping and Ethics code to the General Assemble with bothers on strict penalties for Doping, Gambling and Match Fixing. The ICC Ethics code was adopted by the General Assembly.
AOB
The allegations on financial misappropriation and General misconduct and abuse of office of the former President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation Engr. Emeka Onyeama was brought forward for deliberations by the President of the Federation Prof. Yahaya Ukwenya and after much reactions from members of the Full Council, it was unanimously agreed that. Engr. Emeka should be banned from all NCF related activities for a period of 5 years. Terms of reference for the ban will be drafted by the Legal committee of the Federation.
Prof Mariam Suleiman also raised the Issue of the former General Manager Joseph Eshua, that contrary to the former President refusal to appear before the disciplinary committee of the NCF, Joseph Eshua appeared and defended himself against all allegations raised against him. Therefore, his suspension should be lifted and allowed to return back totally to the Cricket fold. Prof. Suleiman moved a motion for the lifting of the suspension of Mr. Joseph Eshua and the motion was seconded by Abraham Oviawe Esq. Vice Chairman, Edo State Cricket association. The decision was unanimously upheld by the General Assembly.
Barr. Chuma Anosike raised the issues of gross misconduct by certain individuals during the 8th edition of the Anosike South East competition, where he has submitted a petition to the NCF with no response thus far. The President of the Federation promised to set up a committee to look into it for the issue to be resolved as soon as possible.
RESOLUTIONS FROM THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
- That the Audited Financial report for the year 2019 was adopted by the General Assembly.
- That the External Auditor Mr. Raji Rasheed services be employed for another one (1) financial year.
- The Appointment of Asanka Gurusinha as the new Head Coach and High Performance Manager of the Federation was upheld by the General Assembly.
- That the former President of the Federation Engr. Emeka Onyeama be banned from all NCF related activities for a period of 5 years for failing to appear before the disciplinary committee on allegations of misconduct during his tenure. Terms of reference to be decided by the NCF legal committee.
- The ICC Ethics code was adopted by the General Assembly.
- The suspension on the former General Manager of the Federation Mr. Josph Eshua was lifted and unanimously upheld by the General Assembly.
Mr Endurance Ofem moved for the adjournment of the Meeting and was seconded by Mr. Chika Okoro.
The meeting closed with the National Anthem and about 5:50 pm.