Cricket Maiden Edition of Ajaelu’s Cup kicks off … Nigerian Cricket Federation President Lauds Initiative

The maiden edition of the Ajaelu’s Cup for Cricket Clubs in Imo kicked off on Friday 2nd December 2016 at the Cricket pitch of Government Secondary School, Okigwe road, Owerri.
The competition, which is powered by the Honorable Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Public Safety, Imo State High Chief Rodney Tony Ajaelu is the first of its kind in Imo state and is geared towards engaging Cricket players and providing an ideal platform for potential talents to advance their career in the noble sport.
The Hon. Commissioner who has a vast and profound foundation in the game both in national and international level noted that his interest in putting up this event is to promote and uphold the game of Cricket.
“I have a lot of interest in Cricket. First I am a national coach in charge of Nigerian Women National team, the chairman of Cricket Association of Imo State, chairman of Imo State Cricket Development Centre and have served in the national board in several capacities. I also played Cricket right from my teenage and represented Nigerian in various competitions. Is so profound that my son has taken over me and is also member of the national team,” High Chief Ajaelu said.
He also encouraged the private sector to key into the promotion of Cricket and other sports that have suffered neglect due to the concentration on football alone.
He stressed that the competition is a preamble to the Imo State Cricket League, which will afford amateurs and professionals the stage to showcase their worth.
Five Cricket clubs are participating in the first edition and it has been structured in fashion to accommodate senior, junior, male and female players in a particular team.
In order to also enlighten the public about Cricket, High ChiefAjaelu stated that there are plans to hold workshops and enlightenmentseminars for reporters and journalist who will be partners in progress.
Also present at the kick-off was the President of the Nigerian Cricket Federation, Engr. Emeka O. He lauded the initiatives of the organizer and promised that the national body will always work with the Commissioner so that the objectives of bringing Cricket to the front burner of sporting events will become a reality.
He however noted that this completion is a right step in a right direction and with someone like High ChiefAjaelu at the realm of affairs, things will move exceedingly well.
The competition ends on Sunday 4th December with a glitzy closing ceremony.