Edo dominates maiden South-South basic education school sports games, secures 36 medals

Benin, Edo – In a triumphant display of youthful athletic prowess, Edo State has emerged as the undisputed champion of the inaugural 2025 South-South Geopolitical Zone Basic Education School Sports Games (BESS), clinching a remarkable 36 medals to claim the overall title.

The week-long competition, which wrapped up on November 22 at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, showcased the raw talent of primary and junior secondary school athletes from across the region's six states, fostering a spirit of healthy rivalry and grassroots sports development.

Edo's haul included an impressive 17 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals, solidifying their position at the top of the medal table and earning them the hosting honors' bragging rights.

Delta State finished a strong second, though exact figures for their tally were not immediately detailed in official releases.

The event, organized by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and the Federal Ministry of Education, featured a diverse array of disciplines designed to nurture emerging talents at the foundational level.

The games kicked off on November 18 amid fanfare and high expectations, drawing hundreds of young competitors from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

Over five exhilarating days, participants battled it out in athletics (track and field events like sprints, relays, and jumps), team sports such as football and wrestling, and indoor games including table tennis, chess, Scrabble, Ayo (a traditional Nigerian board game), and tennis.

The stadium, alive with cheering crowds in vibrant school uniforms predominantly pink and green for Edo teams echoed with the sounds of victory laps, medal podiums, and anthems.

Standout moments captured on local broadcasts included Edo athletes storming the field in football finals, relay teams crossing the finish line in record times, and young wrestlers pinning opponents with precision.

Closing ceremonies were marked by emotional medal presentations, where beaming medalists draped in gold, silver, and bronze stood tall beside proud coaches and families.

This maiden edition not only highlighted physical fitness but also emphasized values like discipline, teamwork, and cultural integration through traditional games like Ayo.

Top performers from the South-South zone are now set to represent the region at the national finals in Bauchi State starting November 27, where they will vie for a spot on Nigeria's broader youth sports map.

Edo State SUBEB Chairman, Honourable Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, hailed the games as a "landmark achievement" during the opening ceremony, crediting Governor Monday Okpebholo's sponsorship and commitment to hosting for breathing new life into school sports.

"This is more than just medals; it's about building a legacy of excellence from the grassroots," she stated, as athletes paraded into the stadium.

Echoing her sentiments, Delta State SUBEB Chairman Honourable Samuel Mariere praised the event for reviving cherished traditions like the historic Headmaster’s Cup while nurturing future stars.

"Governor Okpebholo's support has set a benchmark for the region," Mariere added, noting the games' role in talent identification and holistic youth development.

In a post-event statement shared via social media, Edo SUBEB celebrated the "exciting competitions featuring outstanding displays of skill and sportsmanship," urging continued investment in school infrastructure to sustain the momentum.

For the young medalists, this is just the beginning many will carry their tricolors to Bauchi, aiming to etch their names in national history.