Gov Alia declares basic education schools’ games annual event

…pledges continued investment in grassroots sports 

The 2025 edition of the All Basic Education Schools Games has officially ended with a resounding declaration by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, that the All Basic Education Schools’ Games will henceforth become an annual event in the state.

Speaking at the grand finale held at LGEA Primary and Junior Secondary School, Kua, Makurdi, Governor Alia, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barr. Moses Atagher, congratulated the winners and participants, urging them to see the platform as a launchpad to becoming National and International sports champions.

According to a statement by the Board’s information officer, Emmanuela Akese, he commended the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and especially the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, for her visionary leadership. Governor Alia noted that his administration recognizes the impact of sports in shaping young minds and promoting physical development, stressing that the revival of school sports is a deliberate step toward harnessing talents and building character.

“I’m happy to declare that this sports revival has come to stay. It is no longer a one-off activity but an annual tradition we will sustain until every school in Benue is equipped with sporting facilities to nurture young talents,” he stated.

Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr Grace Adagba, expressed profound appreciation to the  Executive Governor for his inspiring leadership and UBEC for sponsoring the event. She reiterated that the goal of the games is to build champions through grassroots sports, providing children with a solid foundation for a brighter future.

Guest speaker and international footballer with Charlotte Independence FC USA, Ogenyi Onazi, commended SUBEB for using sports to positively impact children, encouraging the Board to deepen its efforts in school sports development. “I was a nobody, but sports took me to the top”. These children can become even greater if we keep believing in them,” he said.

The event featured goodwill messages from key dignitaries, including the Executive Secretary UBEC, Director of Academic Services, Zipporah Kashim; Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Alexander Fanafa; Chairlady, Chief Mrs. Helen Agaigbe; Chairman of Makurdi LGA, Hon. Joseph Keffi; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Helen Nambativ. They all applauded the return of basic school games and pledged support for its sustainability.

The finals included a thrilling football match where Zone A triumphed over Zone B 7–6 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regular time. Zone B emerged as the overall winner of the games with 31 medals, a trophy,3 balls, a set of Jerseys, and the sum of ₦500,000 cash prize. Zone A came second with 21 medals,2 balls, a set of Jerseys and ₦300,000 Cash prize, while Zone C clinched the third position with 17 medals,1 Ball, a set of Jerseys and ₦200,000 cash prize.

Basic Education School Learners from the 3 Geo-Political Zones of Benue State showcased their talents in a variety of sporting events, with outstanding performers recognized and rewarded with medals and valuable prizes.

In the track events, Zone B emerged first position, clinching the gold medals and a wall clock. Zone A secured second place, taking home the silver medals, while Zone C finished in third place with bronze medals.

In the highly competitive chess tournament, Zone C  and emerged champions, going home with gold medals, a chess kit, and team jerseys. Zone B placed second, earning silver medals, while Zone A came in third, receiving bronze medals.

For the  ‘Ayo’ game, Zone A took the lead, winning gold medals and a wall clock. Zone B secured second place with silver medals, while Zone C came third, receiving bronze medals.

In the cultural dance competition, Zone A thrilled the audience with an outstanding performance to clinch first place, earning gold medals and cultural attire. Zone B came second, taking home silver medals, while Zone C clinched the third position, going home with bronze medals.

For tug of war, Zone C came first taking the gold medals, jerseys and wall clock. Zone B came second place taking the silver medals while Zone A took the bronze medals.

Notable personalities in attendance include Nigerian international footballers such as Onazi Ogenyi of Charlotte Independence FC North Carolina USA, Emmanuel Tony Agbaji of Bangladesh Premier League Club Mohammedan SC, and Fegor Ogude (MON) of Yenisey Krasnoyarsk- Russia, were at the event to  inspire the children.

Top entertainers like Rapizzo, Mbolo, OD Woods, Egyptian Cairo, Lady Pesh, and APM also thrilled the audience.

Commending his team’s victory, Game Master for Zone A, Mr. Benjamin Sambe, applauded the pupils’ skills and discipline. Zone A captain, Master Tertsea Terese, expressed joy at their win, while Zone B’s captain, Sunday Danladi, accepted the defeat with sportsmanship, saying, “Every game must have a winner.”

Other dignitaries at the event include Hon. Chenge, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor; Dr. Stephen Hwande, CMD of MOAUM Teaching Hospital; Sir James Iorpuu, SEMA Boss; Barr. Fidelis Mnyim, Former Attorney General, and UBEC Zonal Director for North Central, Elder Edward Abalaka, among others.