FirstBank has announced its sponsorship of the second edition of the ChessMasters tournament, Africa’s largest school chess competition, in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy.
The announcement was made at a press conference held in Lagos recently ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled for May 2, 2026.
ChessMasters is an annual competition aimed at equipping primary school children aged 6 to 11 with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Organisers say the initiative brings together schools from across Nigeria, offering pupils opportunities to develop modern educational competencies through chess.
Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the sponsorship reflects the bank’s commitment to youth development and social impact through its First@Sports initiative.
According to Ijabiyi, the partnership also aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability focus on education, health, and welfare, noting that chess provides a platform for children to think critically and compete at high levels.
She added that the bank envisions the tournament as a springboard for a broader pan-African movement promoting education and leadership through chess.
Co-founder of ChessMasters, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, welcomed the partnership, stating that FirstBank’s support would expand participation and deepen the impact of the initiative across schools.
Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, also praised the initiative, highlighting chess as a tool for developing analytical thinking, patience, and time management skills among children. He noted its additional benefits for improving concentration, particularly among children with autism.
Organisers disclosed that the 2026 edition will host 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to compete for a total prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank said its involvement underscores the growing potential of ChessMasters as a platform for nurturing young talents and advancing education, empowerment, and leadership development through chess in Africa.
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