Dep Speaker celebrates U19 Women’s Cricket team player

By Akanimo Kufre

The Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem on Wednesday hosted female cricket players and their assistant coach, Blessing Etim, alongside flag football players from his constituent in Itu Local Government Area.

Inyene Umoh and Deborah Bassey were part of the Junior Female Yellow Greens that shook the global cricket community by defeating ICC full member countries, New Zealand and Ireland in Malaysia.  The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup held from January 18 to February2, 2025.

The Deputy Speaker also received the male and female members of the Flag Football National School Tournament Finalist who came second position in Calabar, Cross River State.

Rt. Hon. Edidem thanked the players for making him proud as well as their families, school, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria at large. He assured them of his continued support while requesting  the teenagers to take full   responsibility for their new status as role models for other students.

The Akwa Ibom State Deputy Speaker also appreciated the great service delivered by Mr. Uyi Akpata and Nigeria Cricket Federation Board members  for quality cricket development across the country. Rt. Hon. Edidem urged the Director of Sports, State Secondary Education Board, Mr. Emmanuel Ebong to bring forward budget for sports development plans for schools in the state. Hon. Edidem promised full backing and integration into the budget before the governor.

Hon. Edidem also seize the occasion to advise sports coaches and administrators to build sustainable development structures rather than fleeting success as the latter is a wasteful venture.

The athletes all from Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam received handsome cash rewards from the elated Deputy Speaker. Their coaches, gamesmaster, and journalist who gave them outstanding coverage were also rewarded.