OYOSUBEB organises sports competition for pupils, harps on talent discovery

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) on Friday organised a one-day competition in four major sports.

The event, tagged the Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sports Competition, was held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The second edition of the competition featured no fewer than 120 pupils from public primary schools across Oyo State showcasing their budding talents.

Involving seven sports zones in the state, the competition tested the youngsters’ abilities in track and field, football, Ayo Olopon, and table tennis.

Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, who was represented by a board member, Hon. Seun Oyewo, said the competition would serve as preparation for the geo-political Basic Education School Sports (BESS) competition scheduled for next week in Lagos. He added that the event would help build character, enhance physical fitness, and instil values such as cooperation and resilience in the pupils.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, said the vision of the competition was to create a platform where every child, regardless of background, could discover their talents, build confidence, and embrace the values of teamwork and discipline.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, the Commissioner said Oyo State is determined to produce champions, not just in sports but in all spheres of life.

In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of OYOSUBEB, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, described the young athletes as the heartbeat of the competition. She urged them to carry forward the lessons of perseverance and unity learned during the event into their future endeavours.

Pupils from Ibadan Less City Zone, comprising Ona-Ara, Ido, Lagelu, Egbeda, Akinyele, and Oluyole LGUBEAs, won the football competition, defeating six other zones. Pupils from Oke-Ogun Zone 2 claimed victory in the 100-metre race for both boys and girls, while Ibarapa Zone dominated the 200-metre (girls) and 400-metre (boys and girls) races and won the Ayo Olopon (girls) category. Oke-Ogun Zone 1 emerged champions in table tennis (boys and girls) and Ayo Olopon (boys).