The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) orchestrated a vibrant one-day sporting competition, aptly named the Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sports, engaging over 120 pupils from public schools across the state. Held at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, the competition marked its second edition and served as a crucial preparatory ground for the upcoming geopolitical Basic Education School Sports competition slated to take place in Lagos. The event showcased the budding athletic prowess of these young learners through a diverse range of sporting activities, encompassing track and field events, football, the traditional game of Ayo Olopon, and table tennis. Seven sporting zones from across Oyo State participated, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie among the pupils.
Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Chairman of OYOSUBEB, emphasized the significance of the competition, highlighting its role not merely as an extracurricular activity, but as a vital tool in shaping well-rounded individuals. Speaking through Hon. Seun Oyewo, a board member, Adeniran articulated OYOSUBEB’s belief in the transformative power of sports in character building, physical development, and the inculcation of essential life skills such as cooperation and resilience. He further commended Governor Makinde’s administration for its unwavering commitment to advancing basic education and empowering the youth, recognizing the pivotal role of sports within this broader developmental framework.
Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, echoed these sentiments, portraying the competition as a platform designed to unearth hidden talents and cultivate self-confidence among the participating pupils. He emphasized the unifying nature of sports, describing it as a universal language that transcends barriers and fosters holistic development. Representing the Commissioner, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, affirmed Oyo State’s readiness to nurture champions across all spheres of life, underscoring the state’s dedication to providing an enabling environment for young talents to flourish.
Comrade Raji Oladimeji, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), lauded the competition for providing a crucial opportunity for public school pupils to showcase their inherent abilities. He highlighted the importance of such platforms in recognizing and nurturing the potential of these young athletes, contributing to their overall development and future prospects. The competition served as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in promoting sports and education within the state.
The competition witnessed exciting displays of skill and sportsmanship across various disciplines. In the keenly contested football matches, Ibadan Less City emerged victorious, triumphing over six other zones to claim the coveted title. The track and field events saw remarkable performances from athletes representing different zones. Oke-Ogun Zone 2 dominated the 100-meter races for both boys and girls, demonstrating their speed and agility. Ibarapa Zone shone brightly in the longer distances, winning the 200-meter race for girls, as well as the 400-meter races for both boys and girls, showcasing their endurance and stamina.
Oke-Ogun Zone 1 emerged as the undisputed champions in table tennis, securing victories in both the boys’ and girls’ categories, demonstrating their mastery of the sport. Ibarapa Zone displayed their proficiency in Ayo Olopon, winning the girls’ competition, while Oke-Ogun Zone 1 claimed victory in the boys’ category of the traditional board game. The competition served as a platform to recognize the achievements of these young athletes, celebrating their dedication and commitment to their respective sports. The event also fostered a sense of healthy competition and camaraderie among pupils from different zones across Oyo State. It underscored the importance of sports in the holistic development of young individuals, fostering physical fitness, character building, and the inculcation of essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline.
