The Agege Stadium buzzed with youthful enthusiasm as pupils from across the South-West gathered for the Zonal Primary School Games. Leading the charge was Dr Lydia Gbagi, National Coordinator of Basic Education School Sports at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). She underscored the importance of investing in grassroots sports during the event held on Monday.
Dr Gbagi declared, “What we are witnessing here is the future of Nigerian sports. When we catch them young, nurture their talents, and give them the right foundation, we are building champions not just for today, but for generations to come.” Her message resonated deeply as pupils displayed teamwork, skill and zeal across a variety of events.
The South-West Zonal Games form part of UBEC’s wider agenda to enhance physical education and foster competitive sports within basic education. Dr Gbagi’s attendance signalled federal commitment and served as inspiration to students, teachers and organisers alike, reinforcing the drive to build a sustainable talent pipeline from an early age.
Editorial
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We believe Dr Lydia Gbagi’s presence at the Agege games highlights a pivotal shift in Nigerian education and sports policy. By placing such emphasis on primary school athletics, UBEC is ensuring that physical education is not an afterthought but a core element of early development.
We feel the articulation of vision matters. Dr Gbagi’s words “the future of Nigerian sports” are not empty rhetoric. They reflect an understanding that success on the global stage is rooted in local playgrounds. Primary schools are the bedrock of talent, and investing at that level is both strategic and necessary.
We observe that the energy and skills showcased by these young athletes underscore a latent reservoir of potential. It begs the question how many champions remain hidden because the right platforms are lacking at early ages? UBEC’s focus here is both timely and transformative.
We insist that local governments and school authorities capitalise on this momentum. Providing coaching, maintaining facilities and organising regular competitions these should be priorities, not privileges. Only then will we see Nigeria’s next generation stand tall cross-continentally and on podiums worldwide.
We end where we began: supporting grassroots sports today is the clearest path to international triumph tomorrow.
Did You Know?
- The South-West Zonal Primary School Games include pupils from six states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti.
- UBEC’s school sports initiative stems from a 2022 federal directive to integrate physical education into every primary school’s curriculum.
- In 2024, Ondo State topped the overall medal table at the inaugural Basic Education School Sport Games held in Abuja.
- Universal Basic Education Commission coordinates nationwide events across nine sports, including athletics, football, table tennis and chess.
- UBEC and the Nigeria Football Federation recently partnered to boost school infrastructure through participation in the African Schools Football Championship (U13/U15).
