…As Iseyin Beats Ibadan in Finals
The final stages of the maiden Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education Schools Sports Competition, held
at the Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, Ibadan today.
The 2023 Edition of the ‘Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sport (BESS) Competition’ was
organized by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with the Universal Basic
Education Commission (UBEC).
After zonal qualification, across the eight educational zones, the third place match was played between
L.A Primary School, Ilora, Oyo and Baptist Primary School, Ajegunle.
The team from Oyo defeated the Ajegunle based team through penalty kick-out, after a goalless 90-
minute match.
In the finals, a resilient St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan held their opposition team from
Iseyin, Anglican Primary School, Igbomara, to a goalless 45 minutes, in the first half.
However, the Iseyin team walloped St. Brigid’s Basic School, in a penalty shoot-out after a stalemate
from both sides in the second half.
The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu who took the kick off of the final
match reiterated the commitment of the state Government to Sports development.
Stressing the resolve of the government to boost participation of youths in grassroots sports, Adelabu
lauded the efforts of organizers of the competition to actualize the vision of the present administration.
The Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, said youth is
the mobile segment of Nation’s population which must be activated through games and sports for the
high duty of nation building.
“Our young ones are the building block that must be treated through sports to acquire the requisite
resilience to endure the pressure and strain of a competitive world”, he said.
He noted that the goal of the competition is to develop the skills of the pupils and fish out new talents
among them at grassroot level to represent the State at National and International Competitions.
“Consequently, the Oyo State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board has been
facilitating a qualitative learning process with the provision of quality learning materials, prompt
payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances as at when due, regular training and workshops that will
improve their skills/performances”, he stressed.
He therefore urged the participating pupils in the competition to exhibit the intellectual abilities and
resourcefulness expected for the success of this competition.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jacob Dairo said the maiden
competition featured games and sporting activities amongst Public Primary Schools in the 33 Local
Government Areas of Oyo State.
He said the positive roles sports play in advancing national unity and ensuring Basic Education pupils
are dissuaded from partaking in anti-social activities, cannot be underestimated.
“Education is the bedrock of all developmental efforts and that the entire system of education rests on
the basic school level. It is in this regard that the government of Oyo State under the able leadership of
Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde feels fully committed to accord basic education its pride place of priority. His
Excellency has assisted OYO SUBEB in the attainment of an excellent position to lead other SUBEBS in
the Federation, remaining a pace – setter Board in the realization of various goals of the Universal Basic
Education (UBE) Programme.Permit me to put it on record that the present administration has done a
lot on massive encouragement of grassroots sports through Oyo SUBEB via the following remarkable
achievements in sporting activities:
The game was supported by the National Primary Schools Games and Sports Teachers (NAPSGAST).
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adeniyi Olusanjo; the
Coordinator, Sports Facilities, UBEC, Dr. Lydia Gbagi; Education Secretaries, and other stakeholders.
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