The First Vice Chairman of the Ogun State Cricket Association, Mr. Kehinde Osikoya, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the continued growth and development of cricket in the state, while celebrating 20 years of dedicated service within the association.
Speaking at the opening day of the ongoing cricket festival where Ogun State faced Kaduna, Mr. Osikoya expressed joy over the lively atmosphere, the quality of organization, and the enthusiastic participation from players and fans alike.
“This festival is a testament to our resilience,” he said. “Yes, we’ve had our challenges at the state and association level, but we’ve overcome them. The support from the Nigeria Cricket Federation — morally, financially, and otherwise — has been crucial. Today’s spectacle is exactly what we envisioned.”
Looking beyond the festival, Mr. Osikoya revealed ambitious plans to upgrade cricket facilities in Ogun State. “Our pitches are currently mat-based, but our goal is to convert them to turf wickets,” he stated. “We will set up a committee after the festival to oversee the maintenance of the pavilion and other modern facilities that have been built. These facilities are a source of pride for us, and we want to ensure they are in top condition to host both local and international matches.”
Highlighting Ogun State’s historical dominance in grassroots cricket development, Mr. Osikoya paid tribute to past efforts that laid the foundation for today’s success.
“Ogun State has perhaps the richest grassroots structure in the country. We’ve won more gold medals in cricket than any other state, thanks to visionary pioneers like the late Uncle Sho. We intend to revive and build on that legacy.”
He disclosed plans to reactivate once-popular inter-school and grassroots tournaments, which were instrumental in discovering and nurturing cricket talents in the past.
“We had major tournaments named after key figures in the sport, and we will bring them back. This is how we will continue to dominate and grow cricket in Ogun State.”
With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a rich legacy, Ogun State Cricket Association under Mr. Osikoya’s leadership is poised to maintain its place at the pinnacle of cricket development in Nigeria.
