The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has flagged off the distribution of sports equipment to basic education schools in the state.

This is aimed at reviving sporting activities and promoting the physical, mental and social development of pupils and students.

The equipment are footballs, jerseys, tug-of-war ropes, volleyballs, shin-guards, rackets, football nets, whistles, handballs, gloves, socks, table tennis boards and kits.

Executive Chairman, SUBEB, Grace Adagba, handed over the sports equipment to the head teachers of the 78 benefiting schools.

She said the initiative, made possible through the UBEC-SUBEB Matching Grants of 2022 and 2023, showed the commitment of the federal and state governments to enhancing the quality of education by incorporating sports as a vital component.

She commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering dedication to education and youth development.

Adagba urged education secretaries, head teachers, and parents to support sports development in schools.

She directed that every Friday be observed as a Sports Day from 12:00 noon in all basic schools to encourage active participation among learners.

Adagba announced the appointment of sports coordinators for the three geopolitical zones of the state, assuring that all primary school games would now be held annually.

In a goodwill message, the UBEC State Coordinator, Idzi Baba Emmanuel, who was represented by Bernard Abu Akpa, commended SUBEB for its efforts in reviving sports in schools.