By Ahmed Mohammed
Bauchi State has emerged overall winner of the second edition of the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games, held in Bauchi, securing a total of 54 medals.
Delta State followed closely with 53 medals, while Kaduna State finished third with 23 medals.
Declaring the games closed, Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by the State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, praised the event for bringing together young Nigerians from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
He noted that the competition fostered sportsmanship, friendship, and national integration.
Governor Mohammed congratulated the pupils for their discipline and resilience, while commending UBEC, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the games, despite security challenges in parts of the country.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the UBEC Northeast Zonal Director, Alhaji Abdullahi Jarma, reminded participants that sports go beyond winning medals.
She emphasized that teamwork, confidence, and perseverance are lifelong lessons to be applied in studies and daily life.
In the finals, the Bauchi female football team defeated Gombe State 2-0 on penalties, while the Nasarawa male team beat defending champions Taraba State 3-0. A total of 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory took part in the competition, with the next edition scheduled to hold in Delta State.
The BESS Games continue to serve as a platform for nurturing future champions, instilling values of unity, and promoting healthy competition among Nigeria’s young learners.
