More than 120 pupils drawn from public primary schools across Oyo State showcased their athletic talents during a one-day sports competition organized by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). The event, which took place at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Ibadan, aimed to foster physical development, sportsmanship, and inter-school collaboration among young learners.
Participants represented the seven educational zones in the state and competed in various sports including football, track events, table tennis, and Ayo Olopon, a traditional board game. The competition also served as part of the selection process for the state’s contingent to the upcoming Basic Education School Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Chairman of SUBEB, emphasized the importance of sports in building pupils’ character and enhancing their physical and mental development. Represented by Mr. Seun Oyewo, he described the initiative as a platform to identify and nurture young sporting talent.
Also present at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, commended the pupils for their enthusiasm and determination. He highlighted the role of sports in promoting unity, discipline, and leadership among schoolchildren.
The event concluded with recognition of outstanding performances. Ibadan Less City Zone won the football competition, while other zones excelled in different athletic categories. Oke-Ogun Zone 2 dominated the 100-metre races for both boys and girls. Ibarapa Zone impressed in the 200- and 400-metre races and also took the title in the girls’ Ayo Olopon category. Oke-Ogun Zone 1 claimed top positions in boys’ and girls’ table tennis events.
SUBEB Sports Development Chairman Mr. Jacob Dairo noted that the competition brought together public primary schools from all 33 local government areas of the state, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to grassroots sports development and national unity.
The sporting competition not only celebrated athletic excellence among schoolchildren but also demonstrated Oyo State’s ongoing commitment to education through extracurricular engagement.
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