The Lagos State government has commenced the 2025 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) competition, with the aim of nurturing young talents and promoting healthy rivalry among students.
Over 370 athletes have arrived at the camping facility in Lagos, ready to participate in various sporting events. The Commissioner for Secondary and Basic Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun, noted that the competition goes beyond crowning winners, but also aims to build camaraderie among students and serve as a platform for discovering new sports talents.
“The BESS competition is a celebration of teamwork and embodiment of discipline and sportsmanship. As such, I urge our young athletes to embrace this squarely, play, learn from one another and strive for excellence. I wish them the best of luck,” Mr. Alli-Balogun said.
The three-day event will feature both indoor and outdoor sports, including board games, track and field events, and football. The commissioner emphasized that the safety of the pupils is a top priority, and comprehensive safety measures have been implemented, with qualified sports officials appointed to supervise every event.
“The true spirit of this competition goes beyond winning. It’s about participation, camaraderie, and nurturing a love for sports,” Mr. Alli-Balogun added.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Akeem Shittu, stated that the event represents the government’s commitment to contributing to the wholesome development of children. “This event is our commitment to nurture young talents and promote healthy competition by creating a platform for supporting the mental, physical, emotional, and social development of our children,” Mr. Shittu said.
The 2025 BESS competition is the second edition of the regional event, bringing together students from Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, and Ekiti States to participate in three days of sporting activities. The event is designed to promote healthy competition, nurture young talents, and support the overall development of children.
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