By Faith Igbudu
Benue State Government (BNSG) has promised total support and commitment to the success of all Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) programmes in the state, with the view to uplift basic education.
Commissioner for Education, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, gave the promise Friday while flagging-off of the distribution of sports kits to basic schools in the state under the 2018/2019 UBEC/BNSG intervention funds.
Performing the flag-off, the commissioner, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr Sarwuan Tarnongu, said the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom attaches great importance to the wholistic development of the Benue child, beginning with the basic schools and will continue to provide a smooth operational ground for all developmental partners, especially in the area of education.
“Let me once again assure all our stakeholders present at this event that Benue state government will continue to do everything possible, within available resources to ensure the success of the UBE programme.”
He also charged the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to compliment government’s effort towards the development and sustenance of sporting activities in Benue state by drawing out a comprehensive sporting calendar that will compel schools to compete with each other.
Earlier in a welcome address, Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Comr. Joseph Utse, said the priority given to sports in the state is a laudable one as it will enhance all round development of the learner.
According to him, the equipments will increase the tempo of sporting activities in the basic schools which will in no time produce sports career holders.
“It is in a bid to take sporting activities in public school to the next level that Benue state government in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have released funds under 2018/2019 matching grant to procure assorted basketballs, footballs, volleys, table tennis kits and other equipment for distribution to public UBE schools in the state. This huge investment from government in sports will serve as a major boost in uplifting the status of our schools,” he said.
He appreciated UBEC for their interest and continued financial assistance for the improvement of basic schools in the state, charging all education secretaries in the various local governments to ensure strict monitoring of the equipments to ensure they are used rightly.
The sporting equipments to be given to schools include in no particular order, footballs, volleyballs, basketballs, modern football goal post with nets, jerseys, socks and boots, whistles, table tennis boards and kits as well as numerous sporting items.
