No fewer than 120 pupils from Oyo State public basic schools showcased their budding talents on Friday, as the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) organised a one-day competition in four sports competitions.
The competition, tagged Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sports competition, is the second edition held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Friday.
Involving seven sports zones in the state, the competition tested the youngsters’ skills in track and field, football, Ayo Olopon, and table tennis.
According to the Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, the competition will serve as part of preparations for the geo-politcial Basic Education School Sports (BESS) competition, scheduled to hold next week in Lagos.
Represented by a board member, Hon. Seun Oyewo, Adeniran said OYOSUBEB believes that sports are not just an extra-curricular activity, but a critical tool in shaping well-rounded pupils in the State.
Adeniran added that sports competition will build the pupils character, enhance physical fitness and teach the values of cooperation and resilience.
He said, “Through initiatives like BESS, we are reaffirming our commitment to holistic education and the development of future champions both in academics and athletics.
Appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chairman said his administration has invested in the growth of Basic education and the empowerment of the youth.
He affirmed that each pupil is a winner, irrespective of the result of the competition.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola said the Basic Education School Sports Competition’s vision was to create a platform where every child, regardless of background, can discover their talents, build confidence, and embrace the values of teamwork and discipline.
“Sports is a universal language that transcends barriers, and through this initiative, we are investing in the holistic development of our children. The energy and passion displayed by these young athletes across various schools in Oyo State remind us that our state is brimming with potential waiting to be harnessed. Today, as we witness the finals, we celebrate not just the winners but every participant who has dared to compete and grow”, he said.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, the Commissioner said Oyo State is ready to produce champions, not just in sports but in every sphere of life.
I am particularly proud that this event aligns with our goal to make Ovo State a hub for sports tourism and youth development in Nigeria.”
Welcoming the pupils, the Executive Secretary, OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo noted that the young athletes are the heartbeat of the competition, urging them to carry the lessons of perseverance and unity learnt at the competition into their future endeavours.
Pupils from Ibadan less city, comprising Ona-ara, Ido, Lagelu, Egbeda, Akinyele and Oluyole LGUBEAs won the football competition, defeating six other zones that participated in the tournament.
Pupils from Oke-ogun zone 2, won the 100 meter race, for boys and girls.
Ibarapa zone won 200meter race (girls), 400 meter race (boys and girls), and Ayo Olopon (girls).
Oke-ogun zone 1 went home topping the Table-tennis (boys, girls) and the Ayo olopon (boys) competitions.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
