Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in schools sports and promoting the wellness of pupils in the state’s basic educational institutions.
This commitment was underscored in Ado Ekiti during the finals of
(UBEC/ SUBEB )Basic Education School Sports (BESS) in Nigeria where the governor emphasized the importance of sports development in the state’s education sector.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye,( mni )said his administration has been actively enhancing the education system, focusing on both academics and extra curricular activities, adding that sports play a vital role in shaping students’ characters, fostering teamwork and promoting national unity.
“As we witness this display of sporting prowess and discovery of budding talents among our youngsters, I am reminded of the importance of investing in our youth’s physical education and well-being, Sports Play a vital role in shaping their character, fostering teamwork and promoting national unity” the governor said.
He said that his commitment to education and sports development aligns with his administration focus on human capital development, one of the six pillars of his government, stressing that by investing in schools sports and wellness, he aimed at creating a conducive environment for students to thrive and contribute to the state’s growth.
Governor Oyebanji also stated that he would continue to demonstrate a clear commitment to promoting sports and education in the state, expecting it to prepare the pupils for future challenges and strengthen the state’s reputation as a center of academic excellence in Nigeria, promising that his government would not relent in collaborating with UBEC to develop the school sports programme.
The Governor urged that all hands must be on deck to invest in the future of the pupils, calling on individuals and corporate organizations to support the government in order to empower the youth to reach their full potential.
He said ” As a government we will continue to support and empower our youth to reach their full potential both on and off the field. I also beckon to individuals and corporate bodies to collaborate with us by investing in the future of our pupils and nurture the budding talents into stardom.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education, Prof. Femi Akinwumi acknowledged the support and contributions of the state government and UBEC through provision of the 1% Matching Grant for the implementation of Basic Education School Sports.
Prof. Akinwumi highlighted the key initiatives and achievements of the state government in basic education to include investment in education infrastructures with significant improvement in school facilities, renovations and construction of new classroom buildings, smart School’s project, to implement smart technology in schools as well as teachers development Programme, among others.
The SUBEB boss appreciated Governor Oyebanji s gesture and passion for the development of basic education in the state, particularly the payment of N3.5 billion as counterpart fund for 2024 UBEC/ SUBEB intervention projects, lauding also the UBEC Executive Secretary, Hajia Aisha Garba for the immense contributions of the Commission to development of basic education in the state.
According to him “His Excellency has recently paid the sum of N3.5 billion as counterpart fund for 2024 UBEC /SUBEB intervention projects. This is apart from various improvement in the basic education since the commencement of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji s administration in the state. Special thanks also to UBEC Executive Secretary, for the immense contributions and support for basic education in the state.”
Prof. Akinwumi therefore urged the young athletes to avail themselves of the provision of sports facilities in their schools to develop their potentials, expressing optimism that the programme is capable of producing world class athletes for global competitions and excellence.
He assured that winners of the competition will represent the state at the Zonal and National Competitions coming up later in the year.
The winners, after competing in different field and track events including football were presented with trophies, medals and many other consolation prizes.