Hakeem Shittu, Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), has pointed out the importance of an all-round approach to developing young talents by combining both intellectual and physical training.
He spoke during the second edition of the Basic Education School Sports (BESS) South West Zonal finals, hosted by Lagos and attended by five other states. 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 individuals who are intellectually sound, physically fit, morally upright, and socially responsible, ensuring they reach their full potential. The event featured activities from track and field to football and board games. Lagos emerged top with 9 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
Ondo came second with 7 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Ekiti took third position with 5 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Osun finished fourth with 1 gold, 3 silver, and 7 bronze. Oyo placed fifth with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze. Ogun came last with 2 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 that 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 Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support of youth development and for providing a nurturing environment for initiatives like the BESS Competition. He attributed the success of the programme 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.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, praised UBEC for promoting sports alongside academics, describing sports as a viable career path.
Alli-Balogun said the initiative was to identify and nurture talents, creating a pathway for pupils to pursue both academic and sporting excellence. He described the children’s performance as outstanding, stating that their participation reflected the success of psychomotor learning through physical engagement.
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