By Rauf Oyewole 

The National Basic Education School Sports Competition (BESS) has kick-start in Bauchi with states of the federation in participation for the young stars tournament. 

While speaking at the opening ceremony of the Competition, the State Governor, Bala Mohammed applauded the organisers for choosing the state while describing the decision as a reflection of his commitment to the development of education at all levels in the state. 

Mohammed, represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr Lawal Mohammed, described sports as a vital aspect of school curriculum, which he said promotes and grooms talents in schools to the national and international teams. “It is my sincere hope that this tournament will be conducted in fairness and excellence and that the deserving team will be gladly rewarded,” he said.

Also, the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Hajiya Aisha Garba represented by the Northeast Zonal Director Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, said the commission has reviewed the allocation for sports development from one to two percent of the entire annual matching grants.

She said that the BESS games was initiated not just as a competition but a platform to uncover and nurture young talents across the country. He appreciated the Bauchi State government for being the first state to host the competition.

Also speaking, the Commissioners of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed and his counterpart in Youth and Sports, Babayo Gabarin said that educational institutions are the backbone to sustainable development. They expressed confidence in the participants to exhibit the culture of sportsmanship, mutual understanding and lasting friendship.

The President, National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum (NASSOF), Idepe Joseph said, the tournament is a stage to nurture young talents, promote unity and strengthen grassroots sports development through education. He lauded UBEC, SUBEB, and other stakeholders for their support, Idepe Joseph, encouraged the participating athletes to compete with discipline, fairness and sports excellence.

The participating states are; Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.