By Abubakar Baba Ahmad.
Bauchi State has emerged overall winner of the just concluded second edition of the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games, held in Bauchi, with a total of 54 medals.
Delta State finished second on the medals table with 53 medals, while Kaduna State came third with 23 medals.
Declaring the games closed, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, said the competition had successfully brought together young Nigerians from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds on a common platform of sportsmanship, friendship and national integration.
Bala Mohammed represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Lawal Mohammed, said the event reaffirmed the collective resolve of Nigerians to continue upholding the unity of the country, noting that nation-building remains a shared responsibility of all citizens.
“I am confident that the pupils who participated will return to their respective states with positive stories of the peace, unity, hospitality, and harmonious coexistence they experienced throughout their stay in Bauchi”, the Governor states.
While congratulating participating teams for their discipline, resilience and spirit of fair play, the Governor commended the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the 36 State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), the National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum (NASSOF) and other stakeholders for their active participation, despite prevailing security challenges in parts of the country.
“As we depart to our various destinations, it is my earnest prayer that we all return safely, in good health and high spirits. I also look forward, with optimism, to witnessing even more successful editions of the BESS Games in the years ahead”, Bala Mohammed prays.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, expressed appreciation to teachers, coaches and organizers for their tireless efforts, which she said were instrumental to the success of the competition and in laying a solid foundation for grooming future champions and responsible citizens.
Dr Aisha Garba, represented by the UBEC Northeast Zonal Director, Alhaji Abdullahi Jarma, reminded the participants that sports goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it helps to build character, confidence and lifelong values, which the participants should apply in their studies and daily lives.
“To our young athletes: whether you won a trophy or not, you are all winners. You have learned the importance of teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Carry these lessons with you into your studies and your daily lives”, the UBEC Boss advises.
Also speaking, the President of the National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum, Mr Ipede Joseph, thanked all stakeholders for their support and cooperation, describing the games as successful and memorable for both participants and officials.
In the football finals, the Bauchi female team defeated Gombe State two nil on penalties, while the Nasarawa male team beat defending champions Taraba State by three goals to nil.
A total of 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the games, with the next edition scheduled to hold in Delta State.
