Lagos State is set to welcome over 370 young athletes from across the South West region as it hosts the Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) Competition, a major sporting event for students in public primary schools.
EpeInsights reports that the announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, during a press briefing to officially declare the event open.
Describing the competition as more than just a series of games, Alli-Balogun emphasized that BESS is a celebration of discipline, teamwork and true sportsmanship.
According to him, the event is designed to not only showcase physical talent but also foster character development and a sense of unity among the participating pupils.
“This competition goes beyond winning medals,” he said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation of sports lovers, building values of fair play, and leaving a lasting impact on the children involved.”
The Commissioner also noted that Lagos State has a longstanding tradition of sporting excellence, with students often distinguishing themselves at local, national, and international competitions.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Hakeem Shittu, highlighted the importance of the event in promoting social interaction and regional unity among the students.
He disclosed that the second edition of the BESS competition will feature a wide range of sporting activities, including track races, long jump, high jump, football, chess, scrabble, ayo olopon, and other traditional board games.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, Shittu confirmed that adequate safety measures have been put in place, and all sporting activities will be supervised by certified officials to guarantee professionalism and fairness.
As the games kick off, Lagos once again positions itself as a hub for youth development and a champion of grassroots sports in Nigeria.
