Ado Salisu
Sokoto State has emerged overall champion of the 2025 UBEC Northwest Sports Competition for inter-primary school boys and girls.
The three-day tournament, held at the NYSC Camp in Dutse, Jigawa State, featured athletes from six states across the Northwest. Kebbi State was the only absentee.
Organized by the National Headquarters of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in collaboration with the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), the event aims to nurture young talent and promote grassroots sports development.
Sokoto topped the medal table with five gold and one silver medal, clinching the first position. Kano State followed in second place with one gold and two silver medals, while Kaduna and Jigawa States secured third and fourth places respectively.
Kaduna won one gold and one silver, while Jigawa claimed one silver and two bronze medals. Katsina came fifth with one silver, and Zamfara finished sixth without any medals.
Winners and runners-up in football, basketball, volleyball, and handball have now qualified to represent the Northwest Zone in the national finals scheduled to take place later this year in Abuja.
In the closing ceremony’s football final, Kano State defeated Kaduna State 1–0 in a thrilling encounter to increase their medal tally.
Speaking after the final match, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajia Aisha Garba, described the championship as a reflection of the Commission’s commitment to nurturing sports at the grassroots level.
Tension at UBEC Northwest Games as Participants Decry Poor OrganizationRepresented by the Deputy Zonal Director in charge of the Northwest, Mrs. Augustina Sanchi, she reaffirmed UBEC’s dedication to complementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in sports development.
While congratulating the winners, Hajia Garba encouraged other participants to redouble their efforts in future competitions.
Other dignitaries at the event lauded UBEC’s leadership under Hajia Aisha Garba for its foresight and unwavering commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of trophies, medals, and certificates to the deserving states.