The 2025 edition of the Basic Education Schools Sports (BESS) Competition has ended in grand style, highlighting an inspiring display of talent, teamwork, resilience, and determination among pupils from across Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
Organized by the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the two-week-long sporting fiesta began at the local government level, advanced through the senatorial districts, and climaxed on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area.
The event featured intense competitions across various sports, including football, Scrabble, table tennis, and athletics (100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay), among others.
In the keenly contested football finals, Pessu Primary School, Warri South, lifted the championship trophy after defeating Obioma Primary School, Obinomba, representing Ukwuani LGA, in a thrilling match.
In Scrabble, Benita Okwuezulu of Owessei Primary School, Ndokwa West LGA, emerged champion in the female category, while Wealth Ezegbue of Nana Primary School, Warri, clinched the male title.
The table tennis event produced Lucky Tejiri of Oreki Primary School, Ethiope West LGA, as the overall winner after a series of exciting matches.
The athletics segment witnessed outstanding performances and spirited contests. Ibina Favour from Oshimili North won the 100m female race, while Osiokor Simson from Ughelli North claimed the 100m male title.
In the 200m event, Ineh Happy from Sapele LGA and Kemute Favour from Ughelli South LGA emerged winners in the female and male categories, respectively.
Isoko North LGA dominated the 4x100m relay, clinching gold medals in both male and female categories with superb teamwork and speed.
At the end of the competition, Sapele Local Government Area emerged as overall winner, securing two gold medals and other top honors, while other LGAs were commended for their impressive performances across categories.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Delta SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, described the 2025 BESS Competition as “a landmark edition,” designed to discover and nurture young sporting talents from the grassroots to the state level.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering support for basic education and youth development.
“We are grateful to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the love he has for our pupils and for inspiring them to become world champions,” Mariere said.
The SUBEB Chairman revealed that Delta State will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Under-15 Basic Schools Competition in Burkina Faso, noting that winners from the state-level BESS event will also represent Delta at the National BESS Competition.
Hon. Mariere, a two-term lawmaker and former commissioner, urged pupils and stakeholders to take sports development seriously, describing the competition as “the beginning of their climb to greatness.”
“Those who won here today will go on to represent Delta and win more medals because our children are prepared and motivated for success,” he affirmed.
The event ended amid cheers, fanfare, and celebration as pupils, teachers, and education stakeholders applauded the initiative as a powerful step toward reviving grassroots sports and grooming future champions from the basic education level.
