From Left: Babatunde Ogunsiku, CEO, Africa Chess Media; Adebukola Ademiluyi, Head, Education, Faith and Social Services, Ecobank Nigeria; Prince Adewole Adeyinka, Vice President, Nigerian Chess Federation; Oyinye Ikenna Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria and Dele Alabi, Head, Global Corporates at the Media Conference
By OLA MODUPE, Lagos-
The Nigeria Chess Federation has announced that over 2,000 students from 500 schools nationwide will participate in the 2025 EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship, scheduled to take place from June 26 to 28 at the EcoBank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewale, during a press conference on Friday in Lagos, said the event aims to promote chess development in Nigeria and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.
“The EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship will bring together top young players from primary, secondary, and School Tertiary Institutions.
“We are expecting over 500 schools and more than 2,000 students,” Adewale said.
The tournament provides a great opportunity for students to discover and showcase their chess abilities, with many talented children potentially gaining recognition and support.
“Many talented children haven’t had opportunities to compete before. This tournament will help us identify and support them properly,” Adewale added.
Adewale emphasized the importance of chess in nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among Nigerian youth.
“We are proud to support this event, which plays a role in developing young talent in Nigeria,” he said, highlighting the potential for chess to indirectly provide employment opportunities by promoting the hiring of qualified instructors.
EcoBank, a truly pan-African bank, has partnered with the Nigeria Chess Federation to support this event.
Head of Education Field and Social Services at EcoBank, Adebukola Ademuyi, reaffirmed their commitment to education and youth development, stating, “As a truly pan-African bank, we are proud to again partner with the Chess Federation for this important championship.”
The tournament will feature three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary, with each category divided into three team groups.
The finals will take place on Saturday, June 28, with a significant prize pool awarded to encourage players to give their best performances throughout the tournament.
