LAGOS (Sundiata Scholar) – The Lagos State Government has confirmed that no fewer than 370 pupils will participate in the 2025 South-West Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) competition.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, revealed this on Monday at a news conference held ahead of the three-day event.
The competition will take place from 17 to June 19, hosted by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
It will be held in partnership with the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) and cover the South-West geo-political zone.
Alli-Balogun stated that the events include races (100m, 200m, 400m), long jump, high jump, football, chess, scrabble, ayo-olopon, table tennis, and board games.
He said the competition aims to inspire a new generation of sports lovers and leave a lasting impact on participating children.
Alli-Balogun said: “This event demonstrates the state’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting healthy competition for children’s all-round development.
“Lagos has a strong record of sporting excellence, with students excelling in competitions locally, nationally, and internationally.”
According to him, the event also promotes unity and sportsmanship, and the state is well-prepared to engage and challenge other states.
The preliminary football matches will begin Tuesday through Wednesday, while the track events will take place Wednesday at Agege Stadium.
The grand finale will be held Thursday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex.
Alli-Balogun stressed that participants’ safety is a priority and assured that proper security measures would be enforced throughout the event.
He noted that only qualified officials would supervise events, ensuring a smooth and hitch-free competition.
He recalled the state’s outstanding performances in past National Sports Festivals, especially in football, table tennis, and athletics.
“I’m honoured that Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, was unanimously chosen by all six South-West SUBEB Desk Officers to host this edition,” he said.
The zone includes Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti states.
Alli-Balogun praised the collaborative efforts of UBEC, state SUBEBs, and the Nigeria School Sports Federation in organising the event.
He also commended Ekiti State for successfully hosting the inaugural edition in 2024 and setting a high benchmark.
“This year, we build on that legacy, highlighting the best of our pupils’ sporting potential.
“Let’s also recognise sport’s role in students’ holistic development — mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially,” Alli-Balogun added.
Wishing participants success, he declared the 2025 South-West BESS Competition officially open.
Earlier, LASUBEB Chairman, Mr Babatunde Shittu, said the competition is more than a sporting event — it’s a celebration of teamwork and discipline.
He urged Lagos pupils to compete fairly, learn from others, and strive for excellence on and off the field.
According to Shittu, the event nurtures talent, promotes healthy lifestyles, and encourages unity, discipline, and teamwork among children.
He described it as a festival of youthful energy, skill, and the untapped potential within every child.
“Our schools aren’t just academic centres, but also places where physical and moral development are equally prioritised,” Shittu stated.
He said the competition reinforces physical education as vital to the school curriculum.
He added it also encourages healthy interaction among schools in a structured and secure setting.
“Through this event, pupils learn perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship,” said Shittu.
He said that Lagos is building a generation that is intellectually capable, physically strong, morally sound, and socially responsible. (NAN)
