In a bid to promote sports development and peace-building initiatives, the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) and CSED Initiative joined forces to introduce cricket to Cameroonian refugees residing at the Adagom 1 playground in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The three-day introduction to cricket training, which took place from April 6th to 8th, 2024, aimed to provide the refugees with an opportunity to learn the basics of cricket and engage in sports activities as a means of empowerment and community building.
The event, which coincided with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), attracted eighty Cameroonian refugees, as well as ten volunteer trainee cricket coaches. Bibiana Ngwenifun, the leader of Adagom 1 Camp, ensured the active participation of female refugees in the training event, emphasizing inclusivity and gender equality.
Led by NCF Development Officer Blessing Etim and Patrick Edididong, the training sessions covered various aspects of cricket, including fitness drills, basic batting, bowling, and fielding techniques. Day two of the event featured a combination of classroom-based sessions and practical training, with a focus on cricket laws, batting, and bowling demonstrations. The final day concluded with a practice game between residents of Adagom 1 and Adagom 3 camps, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition among participants.
In a gesture of support and encouragement, cricket starter packs donated by Lord’s Taverners and the NCF were distributed to the Sports Committee Leaders of Adagom 1 and Adagom 3 camps. Additionally, plans are underway to organize a separate training event for residents of Ukende Camp in the coming weeks, further expanding the reach of cricket within the refugee community.
Dr. Macfarlane Ejah, Chairman of the Cross River Cricket Association, expressed optimism about the future of grassroots cricket development in Ogoja and the Northern axis of the State, building on the success of the training event. The NCF also plans to utilize cricket as a tool for psycho-social support, skill development, and fostering peaceful coexistence among refugees and the broader community.
As the NCF and CSED Initiative continue their collaborative efforts to promote sports development and peace-building initiatives, the introduction of cricket and other sports activities to the Adagom refugee camp represents a significant step towards fostering unity, resilience, and empowerment within the refugee community. Through sports, refugees are not only gaining valuable skills but also finding solace, hope, and a sense of belonging in their new environment.
