By Usman Walin Gungura, Bauchi
The Second edition of the National Basic Education School Sports Competition (NBESS), has commenced in Bauchi, on Wednesday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium with over 20 states of the federation participating.
The Competition which was declared open by Governor Bala Mohammed through the state’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed, commended the organisers for choosing Bauchi as host, which was in line with his administration’s determination and commitment to regain the state’s lost glory as the “Meeca” of sports in Nigeria.
Governor Mohammed described sports as a vital tool for unity and peace in the country, while schools curriculum promotes and grooms talents.
While praying for a hitch-free Games, he called on the participants to be disciplined and obey the rules of the competition, conduct the spirit of sportsmanship and urged the officiating officials to conduct themselves, be fair and just so that deserving teams win happily and end successfully with planned rewards.
Earlier in his speech the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, Hajiya Aisha Garba, who was represented by the Northeast Zonal Director, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, informed that the Commission has reviewed the allocation for sports development from one to two per cent of the entire annual matching grants.
Aisha Garba, explained that the BESS Games was not only initiated as a competition but a platform to uncover and nurture young talents across the country. She congratulated Bauchi State government for being the first state to host the competition after the first edition took place in Abuja.
Also speaking, the Commissioners of Education, Dr. Lawal Mohammed and Youth and Sports, Hon.Adamu Gabarin said that educational institutions are the backbone to sustainable development. They expressed confidence that the participants will discipline and exhibit the culture of sportsmanship, mutual understanding and lasting friendship.
The President, National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum (NASSOF), Idepe Joseph in his goodwill message, 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.
Our correspondent who covered the opening ceremony, reported that the opening football match between Bauchi and Ebonyi ended 1 – 1 after a skillful display by the young talents.
