Lagos: Dr Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of Lagos State Universal Education Board (LASUBEB), has emphasised the need for a holistic approach to nurturing young talents through intellectual and physical development.
He spoke during the second edition of the Basic Education School Sports (BESS) South West Zonal finals, which Lagos hosted and five other states attended.
Shittu called on stakeholders to adopt strategies that nurture children academically, physically, morally, and socially, enabling them to become responsible, high-achieving contributors to national development.
He said children should be developed into intellectually sound, physically fit, morally upright, and socially responsible individuals, ensuring they reach their full potential.
The event featured activities ranging from track and field to football and board games. Lagos emerged as the champion, winning nine gold, five silver, and five bronze medals.
Ondo came second with seven gold, seven silver, and five bronze medals, while Ekiti took third with five gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.
Osun finished fourth with one gold, three silver, and seven bronze. Oyo placed fifth with one gold, one silver, and one bronze. Ogun came last with two silver medals.
Shittu said the children’s participation showed that the future of Nigerian sports is bright. He described the competition as a platform for growth and nation-building.
He noted the event showcased emerging talents, discipline, and character in a safe and inclusive environment where pupils expressed their passion regardless of background.
He added that the young athletes were reminded that participation, learning, and honouring their schools and states were as important as winning.
“The pupils displayed strong zeal, energy, and discipline. Their commitment and sportsmanship made the competition a truly memorable and inspiring experience,” he said.
Shittu thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting youth development and providing a nurturing environment for initiatives like the BESS Competition.
He attributed the programme’s success to collaboration with UBEC, NSSF, and various State Universal Basic Education Boards.
Shittu described the occasion as a reflection of a shared commitment to holistic education, which promotes resilience, teamwork, and fairness through sports.
He said the BESS Competition demonstrated what is achievable when stakeholders unite to advance youth development and national cohesion through sports.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised UBEC for promoting sports alongside academics and described sports as a viable career path.
Alli-Balogun said the initiative was to identify and nurture talents, creating a pathway for pupils to pursue academic and sporting excellence.
He described the children’s performance as impressive, adding their participation reflected the success of psychomotor learning through physical engagement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ondo State won the inaugural BESS competition in 2024, hosted by Ekiti State, finishing with nine gold, 15 silver, and seven bronze medals
