Contec Global Donates Cricket Equipment to Government College Ibadan
Government College Ibadan (GCI) has received a major consignment of cricket equipment from Contec Global, Delhi, India, in a significant boost to the College's longstanding cricket tradition and its efforts to develop the next generation of players.
The equipment was presented during a ceremony held at the historic GCI Museum Building, with members of the College community, cricket administrators, GCI Old Boys and representatives of Contec Global in attendance.
The donation includes professional cricket bats, helmets, gloves, cricket shoes, practice balls and other training equipment. It also includes wooden mallets and linseed oil for the maintenance of the bats. Additional cricket resources, including coaching books, literature on the laws of the game and DVDs featuring leading international players, were also made available to support the students' development.
Among those present at the ceremony were the Vice President of the GCI Cricket Council, Mr. Dipo Idowu; the Chairman of the Oyo State Cricket Association, Mr. Okon Ukpong; GCI Old Boy and cricket enthusiast, Mr. Tunde Ayansanwo; and Mr. Atul Saraf, representing Contec Global, Delhi, India, alongside other members of the GCI cricket community.
The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Dr. Uyi Akpata, was represented at the occasion by Mr. Endurance Ofem, who welcomed the donation as an important development for cricket at GCI.
In his remarks, Mr. Osofen highlighted the growing significance of the College's cricket programme, noting that GCI is already undertaking initiatives in cricket that are distinctive within the Southwest. He commended the commitment of the College and its Old Boys to the development of the sport and expressed support for efforts aimed at providing young players with the facilities and equipment required to develop their talents.
The donation was facilitated by GCI Old Boy, Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, who expressed appreciation to Contec Global for its support. He explained that the objective went beyond simply supplying sporting equipment, noting that cricket could help instil discipline, patience, honesty, respect for rules and sportsmanship in students.
Mr. Ighodaro also pointed to the opportunities that cricket can create for young people, including opportunities for travel, scholarships and careers as players, coaches, umpires and trainers. He noted that GCI has a proud record of producing national cricket players and captains.
He particularly drew attention to the provision of helmets and other protective equipment, which will enable students to participate in training with improved safety. He also appealed to the College to ensure that the equipment is properly maintained and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations of GCI cricketers.
The facilitator acknowledged the contributions of Old Boys who have continued to support cricket at the College, including Mr. Olubi Adejobi and the Falade family, who have supported the sport and the College's annual Inter-House Cricket Competition.
He also expressed appreciation to Mr. Tunde Ayansanwo, Vice President of Continental Transfert Technique Ltd., one of Contec Global's sister companies in Nigeria, for his role in facilitating the handover ceremony.
The Principal of Government College Ibadan, Mr. Olugbemi Oresegun, described the donation as both timely and historic. He recalled the College's distinguished cricketing heritage and its contribution to Nigerian cricket over the years.
According to the Principal, the students had continued to play cricket despite limitations in the availability of some essential protective equipment. He expressed confidence that the new equipment would increase their enthusiasm for the sport and provide a stronger foundation for its continued development at GCI.
The event also provided an opportunity to look beyond the immediate donation to the wider future of cricket at GCI. Mr. Ighodaro disclosed that GCI Old Boys have commenced work towards the development of an International Cricket Oval at the College, with the ambition of creating a facility capable of hosting school, regional and international matches. He appealed to lovers of GCI and cricket to support the initiative.
The latest intervention comes against the background of GCI's continuing presence in Nigerian cricket. In April 2026, the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association Cricket Club won the Club Cricket Committee Lagos Premier League, defeating Rising Stars Cricket Club in the final at the Tafawa Balewa Square Oval in Lagos.
For Government College Ibadan, the presentation represents more than an addition to its sporting inventory. It is an investment in a tradition that has been part of the life of the College for generations, while providing current students with the tools and encouragement to carry that tradition forward.
The GCI community appreciates Contec Global, Mr. Wilfred Ighodaro, the Nigeria Cricket Federation, the GCI Cricket Council, the Oyo State Cricket Association, GCI Old Boys and all those whose continued commitment is helping to strengthen cricket at Government College Ibadan.
