Bauchi tops BESS games 2026,wins 54 medals

By:Monday Danladi l, Bauchi

Bauchi State Contingents to the second edition of the National Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games wọn a total of 54 medals comprising gold, silver and bronze to emerge overall winners of the sports fiesta held in Bauchi.

At the same time, Delta State Contingents ranked second in the table with 53 medals followed by Kaduna State in third position with 23 medals.

Declaring the event closed, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed said the competition had succeeded in uniting young Nigerians from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds under a common platform of sportsmanship, friendship, and national integration.

Bala Mohammed represented by the State Commissioner of Education Dr Lawal Mohammed noted that the event reaffirms the collective resolve that the unity of the country remains a responsibility each and everyone must continue to uphold.

While congratulating all the participating teams for their discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship, the Governor appreciated UBEC, all the 36 States SUBEB, NASSOF and other stakeholders for their full participation in the games, despite prevailing security concerns in some parts of the country.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary UBEC Dr Aisha Garba appreciated the teachers, coaches, and organizers whose tireless efforts ensured the success of this competition, noting that their commitment has laid a strong foundation for nurturing future champions and responsible citizens.

Dr Aisha Garba represented by the Northeast Zonal Director of the Commission Alhaji Abdullahi Jarma reminded the participants that sports is not only about winning medals, but building character, confidence, and lifelong values, hence the need for them to carry the lessons learnt into their studies and daily lives.

On his part, the President, National SUBEB Sports Officers Forum, NASSOF Mr Ipede Joseph thanked all the stakeholders for their effort towards making the event a success and their stay in Bauchi a memorable one.

With a record 24 states across the federation and the FCT in attendance, the next edition of the BESS games is slated to hold in Delta state.