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The Benue State All Secondary Schools Games, christened “Aliade 2025”, officially kicked off on Thursday at Mount Saint Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade, with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia declaring his administration’s determination to transform Benue into the undisputed sports hub of Nigeria.
Represented by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, the governor hailed the abundance of raw sporting talent across the state and reiterated that his government sees sports as a viable engine for economic growth through tourism, job creation, and youth empowerment.
Governor Alia assured stakeholders that major facilities including Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala, and stadiums in Gboko and Otukpo will soon be upgraded to full international standards. “We are building an environment where our children can dream big and showcase their God-given talents to the world,” he said.
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, represented by Hon. Elias Audu, threw the legislature’s full weight behind the initiative, urging athletes to compete with fairness, respect, and passion while promising continued legislative backing for sports-friendly policies.
Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr. Mrs. Margaret Adadu Ijaguwa, described sports as a powerful tool to help students maximize their potential and steer clear of social vices. She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to invest in school sports.
Executive Secretary of the Teaching Service Board, Rt. Hon. Bem Tseen, reminded everyone of Benue’s proud history of producing national stars such as Francisca Ordega, Barnabas Imienger Junior, Moses, and Terfa Kpakol—all discovered through previous editions of these games.
Participating students could barely contain their excitement. Ausugh Shadrach of Government Day Secondary School Aliade and Ototi Edwin of Mount Saint Michael’s both said the competition gives them a rare platform to display their skills and bond with peers from across the state.
The opening ceremony featured a colourful march-past by contingents from various local government areas and a ceremonial football match between Otukpo and Gwer East zones. Gwer East ran out 1-0 winners after a lone goal decided the encounter, with the kick-off performed by the governor’s representative.
Over twenty secondary schools are battling it out in football, handball, volleyball, and an array of track and field events. The games are scheduled to end on Friday.
As whistles blow and starting guns crack across Aliade, one message rings clear: Benue is ready to reclaim its place as the heartbeat of Nigerian school sports.
