It was a celebration of youthful talent, discipline, and unity as Lagos State emerged overall winner at the 2025 edition of the Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition, hosted at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex.
kakalistiq.com reports that the event, which drew vibrant participation from all six states in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, and Oyo, culminated in a colorful and energetic grand finale on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The competition showcased not only the athletic abilities of pupils but also highlighted the core values of teamwork, perseverance, and unity among young learners.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, commended the pupils for their outstanding performance and unwavering determination throughout the tournament. He noted that the competition went beyond mere physical contests.
“This competition is not just about winning medals, it is about nurturing values such as teamwork, perseverance, and leadership in our children,” he said, applauding the young athletes and their coaches.
Organized and hosted by LASUBEB, the zonal finals followed weeks of regional qualifiers and saw learners compete in a variety of sporting activities, primarily track and field events. The tournament was designed to promote physical development, healthy competition, and social integration among children in basic education.
At the end of the tournament, Lagos State claimed the top spot with an impressive medal haul of 19, comprising 9 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze. The host state’s performance stood as a testament to its continued investment in sports as a vehicle for youth development and education.
Close behind was Ondo State, which also secured a total of 19 medals. However, they ranked second based on the gold medal count, finishing with 7 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze. Ekiti State came third, delivering a solid performance with 16 medals: 5 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze.
Ahead of the thrilling finale that saw Lagos State emerge overall champion at the 2025 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Competition, the Lagos State Government had formally flagged off the tournament with a press conference on Monday, June 16, at the LASUBEB Boardroom in Maryland, Lagos.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, welcomed stakeholders and members of the press, describing the BESS Competition as a collaborative effort between the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), and the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF). According to him, the competition serves not just as a sporting event but also as a platform for talent discovery, discipline, teamwork, and healthy rivalry among school children across the South-West zone.
“Over 370 pupils will participate in track and field events, football, and board games. This competition goes beyond sports; it is a platform for nurturing young talent, promoting sportsmanship, encouraging healthy rivalry, and instilling discipline and teamwork among pupils across the region,” Dr. Shittu said.
He added that while the current edition is limited to public schools, there are ongoing discussions to include private school pupils in future editions. He also assured the public that LASUBEB had made adequate preparations for accommodation and security, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for participants from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo states.
Reaffirming Lagos’ commitment to sports development, Dr. Shittu proudly noted that this is the second time the state is hosting the zonal tournament. “We are building on the foundation laid in previous editions, showcasing once again the excellence of our pupils in sports, an area in which Lagos has consistently excelled at local, national, and international levels,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, emphasized the vital role of sports in the holistic development of children.
“As we celebrate the talents of our pupils, we must also recognize the significant impact of sports in shaping their mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being,” the Commissioner said.
He disclosed that the Lagos State Government has integrated Physical and Health Education as a core subject within the school curriculum, reinforcing the importance of sports as part of formal education rather than relegating it to extracurricular status.
Mr. Alli-Balogun encouraged all participating pupils to embrace the BESS competition as a platform to embody values like fairness, discipline, and excellence. He, alongside Dr. Shittu, extended appreciation to Sports Desk Officers, UBEC officials, and education stakeholders from across the South-West for their steadfast support of grassroots sports development.
The week-long activities kicked off with football and board game preliminaries at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, on June 17 and 18, followed by track and field events at Agege Stadium on the 18th. The competition wrapped up with a vibrant grand finale and football final on June 19 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Ground.
As the curtain drew on the 2025 BESS games, the atmosphere was one of pride and promise, a fitting tribute to the potential of Nigeria’s next generation, whose energies were channeled into positive, character-building pursuits.
