22/08/2026
BENUE STATE GOVERNMENT REWARDS YOUNG SPORTING TALENTS AS LGEA PRIMARY SCHOOL WURUKUM EMERGES BESS CHAMPIONS
August 22, 2026
The Benue State Government has shown renewed commitment to rewarding outstanding young sporting talents across the state following the emergence of LGEA Primary School, Wurukum, Makurdi, as overall champion of the 2024/2025 Basic Education School Sports (BESS) Games State Finals held at LGEA Primary School, Mbakunde, Vandeikya.
The competition, organised by the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), brought together top-performing basic schools from across the state featuring Ayo, 100M race, Relay race, Long Jump, and football for both boys and girls.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, welcomed the dignitaries, participating schools and young athletes, stressing the importance of creating talent discovering platforms for children, and commending the Benue state Government under His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for transforming basic education through many interventions including sports development.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Margaret Ijaguwa Adamu and the Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Council, Hon. Dennis Guda in their separate welcome messages, all appreciated the Governor for his indelible achievements, and described Dr. Adagba as a seasoned administrator who understands the Vision of the Governor.
Also, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Aisha Garba, represented by the UBEC Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Zipporah Panguru, and Former Super Eagles striker and coach, Samson Siasia, in their goodwill messages all underscored the importance of investing in the holistic development of the child. They urged young athletes to remain disciplined and committed to developing their talents.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Ode, MNI, congratulated the young athletes and described BESS as an important part of his administration's broader vision for a basic education system that enables every child to learn and discover their potential.
The Governor recounted his administration's efforts to reposition basic education through construction/renovation of 435 classrooms, distribution of over 13,000 teaching and learning materials, provision of 150 million Naira school grant, distribution of mobility aids to Quality Assurance Officers, Distribution of over 6,000 sporting equipment, and training of over 8900 teachers among others. His Excellency further announced the provision of a Digital Learning Centre (DLC) and a fully equipped Smart Classroom, in addition to the prizes provided by the organisers for the winning school.
Highlights of the event were march pasts, cultural display by learners and teachers, special appearances by sport icons Samson Siasia, Francisca Ordega, Tony Agbaji, and presentation of awards and prizes to the winners and participants. LGEA Primary School, Wurukum, Makurdi (Zone B) having won the highest number of gold medals, was crowned overall champion and received ₦1 million and a drum set. LGEA Primary School, Ukpe-Mbayongo, Vandeikya (Zone A), emerged second and received ₦500,000 and a generator, while LGEA Primary School, Adiko Ito, Obi (Zone C), placed third and received ₦300,000 and a public address system.
The State Finals was graced by top government officials, UBEC representatives, traditional rulers, and support groups.
Msughter John Ataigbough
SA, Corporate Communications and Community Engagements
