The Executive Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Femi Majekodunmi has said that the goal of the Governor’s Cup competition was to nurture the potential of young ones and provide a platform for learners to showcase their talents.
Dr. Majekodunmi made this known at the 4th edition of the Governor’s Cup competition, organised for public primary schools across the four divisions of the state, at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, pointing out that the programme was an opportunity to develop the skills of learners and discover new talents at the grassroots level, who could represent the state at national and international competitions.
The Chairman emphasised the importance of encouraging the young ones to engage in sporting activities, advising pupils to harness their prospects in sports by participating in various games and activities that would develop their cognitive and psychomotor skills.
“Ogun State Government, through the State Universal Basic Education Board, has been facilitating qualitative learning process with provision of quality learning materials, prompt payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances, regular training and workshops that will improve the pupils’ skills and performance”, he said.
Remarking, Board Secretary, SUBEB, Dr. Mukaila Lawal, stated that the competition would expose learners to sports at the basic education level, to develop the right sports values, right attitude towards physical education, promote institutional sports for talent identification and groom them for good sportsmanship.
In his goodwill message, State Coordinator, Universal Basic Education Commission, Mr. Sola Badmos, explained that the purpose of the competition was to instil values and prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities ahead, noting that sport plays a crucial role in the holistic development of learners, while also teaching discipline, teamwork and resilience.
Earlier in their separate remarks, Chairman, Association of Primary Schools Head Teacher of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade Dauda Sanusi and State Chairman of National Association of Primary Schools Games and Sports Teachers (NAPSGAST), Comrade Ope Oladimeji, said the maiden competition featured games and sporting activities among public primary schools across the state.
