SUBEB Boss hails Governor Okpebholo as South-South Basic Education School Games roars to life in Benin

By Maxwell Kumoye

Benin City erupted in colour and anticipation on Tuesday as the maiden South-South Basic Education School Games officially kicked off at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

And leading the chorus of praise was the Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Honourable Ebanehita Sonia Omonzane, who hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo for bringing the groundbreaking championship to life.

Speaking with sports journalists moments after the opening ceremony, Honourable Omonzane described the event as a “landmark achievement” for the South-South region and a proud moment for Edo State.

“This is the first time the school games will be held in the zone. I sincerely appreciate our Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for accepting to sponsor and host this event. Edo State is privileged to serve as the pioneer host,” she declared, beaming with pride.

With a buzzing stadium and a fully charged atmosphere, the stage is set for five days of intense grassroots talent display.

From athletics to Ayo, from wrestling to tennis, and a host of other fast-paced events, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is primed for non-stop action through November 22.

Honourable Omonzane emphasized that the governor’s unwavering support has opened a new chapter in the development of young athletes.

“This competition will play a huge role in discovering and nurturing young sports talents who may one day represent Edo State and Nigeria, on national and global stages.”

The Executive Chairman of Delta State SUBEB and Dean of South-South SUBEB Chairmen, Honourable Samuel Mariere, underscored the deeper vision behind the tournament.

He revealed that the games, organized by UBEC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, are strategically designed to revive the once-vibrant culture of school sports in Nigeria.

Mariere linked the initiative to the golden era of the Headmaster’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, inter-house sports, and other grassroots competitions that produced some of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes.

He applauded Governor Okpebholo’s funding support, stressing that such investment is essential to reposition basic education and restore the glory of school sports across the region.

Highlighting the array of competitions to be staged, he listed football, table tennis, Scrabble, athletics, chess, and other indoor sports, all tailored to unearth diverse young talents.

Mariere further revealed that standout athletes at the zonal level will move on to the national finals scheduled for Bauchi State on November 27, 2025, where they will battle champions from other regions.

“It’s a nationwide talent-hunt project that will shape the future of Nigerian sports,” he said.

The South-South edition features athletes from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, all eager to stamp their names in the history of grassroots sports.

With energy surging through Benin and the promise of new stars waiting to be discovered, the maiden South-South Basic Education School Games has arrived, bold, historic, and brimming with the future of Nigerian sports.

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