By Manasseh Akawe, Makurdi
The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has Flagged – off distribution of Sports equipment to Basic Education Schools across the State as part of efforts to revive sporting activities and promote the physical, mental, and social development of Pupils and Students.
At the Flag off Distribution ceremony held yesterday, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, handed over the sports equipment to Headteachers of the 78 benefiting schools. She emphasized that the initiative, made possible through the UBEC-SUBEB Matching Grants of 2022 and 2023, reflects the commitment of both the Federal and State Governments to enhancing the quality of education by incorporating sports as a vital component.
Dr. Adagba commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for his unwavering dedication to education and youth development. She noted that his visionary leadership has led to positive transformations in the education sector, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom.
The SUBEB Chairman urged Education Secretaries, Headteachers, and Parents to support Sports development in Schools. She also directed that every Friday be observed as a Sports Day from 12:00 Noon in all Basic Education Schools, to encourage active participation among Learners.
The distributed sports equipment include: footballs, Jerseys, Tug-of-war ropes, volleyballs, shin guards, rackets, soccer nets, whistles, handballs, gloves, socks, table tennis boards, and kits.
Additionally, Dr. Adagba announced the appointment of Sports Coordinators for the three Geo- political Zones of the State and assured Stakeholders that All Primary School Games would now be held annually.
In a Goodwill message, the UBEC State Coordinator, Mr. Idzi Baba Emmanuel, represented by Bernard Abu Akpa, commended SUBEB for its efforts in reviving sports in Schools. Similarly, the Board Secretary, Dr. Joseph Jande, lauded the SUBEB leadership for prioritizing sports as a key aspect of holistic child development.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director of Academic Services, Mrs. Esther Unande, emphasized that every child deserves an opportunity to excel, regardless of background. She called on Teachers and Coaches to renew their mentorship roles in guiding Pupils and Students toward success.
The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of sports equipment to selected Headteachers ahead of the full distribution to other benefiting schools.