Bauchi Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development Launches School Sports Competition to Foster Teamwork and Healthy Living

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development has launched a school sports competition involving pupils from various schools across the state as part of efforts to promote healthy living, strengthen mutual understanding, and enhance the physical and mental development of children.

Declaring the competition open, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Dr. Lydia Haruna Tsammani, said the initiative goes beyond physical activity, describing it as a platform for nurturing teamwork, discipline, and unlocking the boundless potential of Bauchi children.

According to her, sports play a vital role in child development by teaching resilience in defeat, humility in victory, and respect for rules and one another.

She added that regular participation in sporting activities helps children stay healthy, builds their confidence, and provides safe environments that keep them away from violence, drug abuse, and other harmful influences.

Dr. Tsammani reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting every child and creating opportunities for their holistic development.

She pledged continued investment in playgrounds and recreational facilities to promote healthier bodies, sharper minds, and stronger character among children across the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Sports, Alhaji Bala Maijama’a Umar, stressed that effective teaching and learning cannot be achieved without sports and other co-curricular activities.

He commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for organizing the competition, describing it as a timely initiative that complements the state’s educational objectives.

He noted that the Bauchi State Government has continued to prioritize school sports, a commitment reflected in the outstanding performances of its schools at national competitions.

The Commissioner recalled that the Bauchi Volleyball Team from Government Technical College, Bauchi, emerged overall champions at a national competition in Lagos, while Government Girls College, Bauchi, represented both the state and the Savannah Conference, winning the Fair Play Trophy.

He attributed these achievements to the unwavering support of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for youth and sports development.

Representing the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Adamu Babayo Gabarin, the Acting Director of Planning, Alhaji Bello Aminu, described sports as a key pillar for retaining children in school, improving academic performance, and promoting quality education through physical fitness and positive engagement.

In his remarks, the Deputy Director of Sports at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Isma’il Aliyu, praised the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for the initiative.

He described sports as a powerful tool for building confidence, nurturing talents, and creating self-employment opportunities for young people.

He urged the ministry to expand the competition to reach more schools across the nooks and crannies of Bauchi State.

According to him, Bauchi has consistently distinguished itself in school sports, enabling it to access greater support from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Alhaji Aliyu added that the state successfully hosted the National Basic Education School Sports Competition in 2025 and emerged with the highest number of medals in the country.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Talatu Musa, commended the participants for demonstrating teamwork, discipline, courage, and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the competition.

She encouraged the young athletes to continue training, remain committed to their education, and embrace sports as an important pathway to a healthy, disciplined, and successful future.