The Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) Competitions, a week-long event involving six South-Western states – Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo – will kick off today.
It is being organised by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in conjunction with Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) across the South – West Geo-Political Zone.
Over 370 young athletes will be participating in various sporting events such as 100m, 200m, 400m Races, Long Jump, High Jump, Football, Chess, Scrabble, Ayo-Olopon and other Board Games.
The Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli- Balogun and state Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) Executive Chairman and chief host, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, said safety measures have also been put in place to ensure the safety of all the pupils and qualified sports officials will be available to oversee each event to guarantee fairness and professionalism.
Speaking at a media briefing announcing the competition in Lagos, they said the board remain committed to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s vision of inclusive and transformative Basic Education.
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Alli-Balogun said Lagos State has a proud tradition of excellence in sports, with our students consistently excelling at various competitions, at local, federal and international.
“As we celebrate our students’ achievements, let us recognize the importance of sports in their holistic development – mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. This competition will inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts and leave a lasting impact on our young participants, no doubt.
“The BESS Competition is more than just a sporting competition; it is a celebration of teamwork, an embodiment of discipline, and sportsmanship. As such, I urge our young athletes to embrace fair play, learn from one another, and strive for excellence,” he said.
In his address Shittu said: “Our guiding principle, the profound belief that we must “Leave No Child Behind,” is the heartbeat of everything we do, and it pulsates strongest when we host monumental events like the BESS Competition.
“We are not just hosting, we are investing in the total wellbeing and future of every child!”
He urged the media to help the board spread the message to showcase the talents, healthy team spirit, sportsmanship and development of our pupils across your various channels.
“Together, let us build a generation that is not only intellectually sound but also physically fit, morally upright, and socially responsible.
“The competition is not just about sports, it is designed to nurture talents, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster unity, discipline, as well as teamwork among our pupils. It is a celebration of youthful energy, skill, and the limitless potential that resides within every child in our care.
“Our schools are not only centres of academic excellence but also the breeding ground for promoting holistic child development by combining academic excellence with physical growth.
“Following the successful state-level qualifiers, Lagos is proud to welcome pupils and officials from six South-Western states: — Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo to compete in a variety of sporting events.
The competition will start today with football and board games till tomorrow at CMS Grammar School, Bariga. From 9.00 am – 4.00 pm daily. Track and Field Events will begin tomorrow at Agege Stadium from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm and the grand finale for football finals hold on Thursday at Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex Ground by 11.00am