In celebration of the ICC Women’s Week to mark the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India 2025, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) hosted a landmark Mass Participation Program at the Centre for Women’s Cricket, Iyoba College, Edo State- aimed at promoting women’s cricket and empowering the girl child through sport.
This initiative aligns with the ICC’s vision to celebrate women’s cricket among Associate Member countries.
Attracting over 300 pupils from schools across the state, with 120 selected students taking part in hands-on cricket sessions. The event provided a unique platform for young girls to connect with national athletes, fostering mentorship and inspiration for the next generation of female cricketers.
Members of the Nigeria Women’s National Team served as facilitators, leading practical demonstrations, mentorship sessions, and interactive discussions. They shared personal stories, challenges, and triumphs, offering the students valuable insights into the power of resilience, teamwork, and dedication in sports and life.
The program also had in attendance dignitaries from the Edo State Sports Commission, led by Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission Mrs. Patricia Efe-Amenze who represented the Commission Chairman Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele and the Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Edo State Sports Commission Mrs Sabina Chikere, they applauded the NCF and PET foundation for its commitment to promoting gender inclusion and grassroots sports development.
” We appreciate the Nigeria Cricket Federation and Edo State Cricket Association for organising this event and choosing Edo State as the host State. You can see the large turnout of School Children and the excitement. Kudos to the President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Dr Uyi Akpat,a for the great job he is doing for our country. We are proud of him as he has continued to raise the bar in the field he has chosen. This is good for us, and it shows that the taproots of Nigeria cricket are in Edo State and Programmes like this will definitely speed up grassroots development.”
Their presence further reinforced the collaborative effort between the Federation and state authorities to nurture young female talents in cricket.
The program was an ICC initiative, the Nigeria cricket Federation received remarkable support from its sole sponsor — the PETS Foundation, chaired by the NCF President, Dr Uyi Akpata. In a show of appreciation, the Foundation also donated high-class training kits to Edo State coaches in recognition of their dedication and efforts in advancing cricket development.
Similarly, the NCF Board presented starter kits to all invited schools, ensuring the sustainability of cricket training beyond the event.
Adding colour to the occasion was the unveiling and opening ceremony of the Edo State Female League Trophy, symbolising a renewed commitment to strengthening competitive female cricket within the state.
The NCF Mass Participation Program in Edo State not only celebrated the spirit of women’s cricket but also underscored the Federation’s broader mission to empower young girls, build confidence through mentorship, and expand the reach of cricket across communities.
Through initiatives like this, NCF continues to champion inclusion, inspiration, and growth in Nigerian cricket.
A similar event is scheduled to be held in Abuja on 16th October 2025.