Club Cricket Committee, Sterling Bank Partner to Elevate Nigerian Cricket
Oru Leonard
Sterling Bank has officially become the title sponsor of the 2025/2026Club Cricket Committee (CCC), Lagos League season, marking a significant milestone in Nigerian cricket. The partnership aims to boost the sport’s development, visibility, and commercial growth in the country.
The event happened in a landmark press conference held today by The Club Cricket Committee at the Sterling Bank Towers where the CCC formally unveiled Sterling Bank as the official sponsor of the 2025/2026 CCC Lagos League season.
The event marks a major step forward for the development, visibility, and commercial advancement of cricket in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, CCC Chairman Endurance Ofem described the moment as a continuation of a long and inspiring journey for the league and the sport.
He highlighted the commitment of past and present leadership, including members of the Board of Trustees such as former CCC Chairman Mr. Charles Omoera, who “kept things alive through struggling years.” Ofem noted that today’s milestone did not begin when he assumed office three months ago but is the product of nearly 15 years of his service on the CCC Executive Committee and a lifetime of involvement in Nigerian cricket.
Recalling his early days when senior journalists “saw him as a schoolboy,” Ofem expressed gratitude for the growth of the game and confidence in the new team steering the league.
“I’m excited and thrilled with the team I have around me… We hope to deliver a season everyone will want to see again by the end of this campaign”, Mr Ofem said.
Delivering the sponsor’s address, Mr. Donatus Okpako, Head of Corporate Marketing at Sterling Bank, announced the bank’s commitment to advancing cricket as part of a broader vision to develop youth, sports, and national values.
Okpako emphasized that cricket has been part of Nigeria’s sporting heritage for over a century, having been introduced in 1904, and noted the CCC’s long-standing role—since 1987—in developing more than 22 teams, 500+ registered players, and talents that have represented Nigeria on the global stage.
“Sterling Bank is stepping onto the pitch not just as a sponsor, but as a catalyst for a sport with deep history and extraordinary future. This partnership is an investment in youth, excellence, and an ecosystem filled with untapped potential”, Donatus Okpako noted.
He detailed the bank’s four-pillar agenda for the partnership as follows:
– Elevating the game through increased visibility and media presence
– Expanding participation via grassroots and youth development programs
– Building heroes, inspired by icons like Endurance Ofem and other emerging talents.
– Strengthening the ecosystem, enhancing fan experience, facility support, and long-term sustainability.
Okpako concluded with a call to action:
“Let the games begin. Let new stars rise. Together, let’s elevate cricket to its rightful place in Nigeria and beyond.”
Responding to media questions, CCC executives confirmed that the committee is exploring a women’s league pathway, leveraging school participation and existing Lagos State women’s cricket programs.
On government involvement, Ofem stated:
“The Lagos State Sports Council and the Ministry of Education are critical partners for us, particularly in school engagement. We are aligning with them to ensure proper access to fields, coaching development, and school-to-league pathways.”
Mr. Charles Omoera, former CCC Chairman and long-serving cricket contributor, expressed optimism about the partnership:
“I am really excited at the possibilities ahead. Sterling Bank supporting the CCC is a strong step, and I invite everyone to spend their weekends at TBS Oval or UNILAG Oval to watch quality cricket.”
The CCC Vice Chairman, Mr. Deepak Mehta, also shared his excitement, describing the announcement as the beginning of a new era:
“Cricket is one of the world’s biggest sports. This partnership signals a new chapter for Nigeria, and in the coming decade, I believe Nigeria will rise to the top of world cricket—with Sterling Bank proudly part of that story.”
The 2025/2026 CCC Lagos League season is set to feature expanded fan engagement initiatives, enhanced matchday experiences, youth inclusion, live streaming, and renewed commitment to grassroots cricket development.
With Sterling Bank now on board, along side other sponsors TATA International, Milo, Techpoint Global Solutions the CCC aims to accelerate cricket’s growth into a mainstream, commercially vibrant, and culturally significant sport across Nigeria.
Established in 1987, the CCC is the longest-running organized cricket league structure in Nigeria, and Largest in west Africa. It serves as a development hub for talent, a platform for competition, and a key contributor to Nigeria’s cricketing success locally and internationally.
