The University of Lagos (UNILAG), DaySpring School, Lagos, and Marvelvine Montessori School, also in Lagos, emerged as winners in the tertiary, secondary, and primary schools’ categories of the 2024 Ecobank National Schools’ Teams Chess Competition at the Pan African Centre in Lagos over the weekend.
The Chess Competition, described as the largest gathering of chess players in Africa, attracted over 1200 players from more than 250 schools across 18 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Prince Adeyinka Adewole, expressed excitement about the growth of the Championship since its introduction last year.
He noted that the 2024 edition attracted over 1200 participants, highlighting the partnership between NCF and Ecobank as a shining example of the public-private partnership needed for the advancement of sports in Nigeria.
A total of 118 primary schools, 86 secondary schools, and 42 tertiary institutions participated in the three-day tournament, vying for prizes totaling over N15 million.
University of Lagos emerged as the top tertiary school, followed by University of Benin and Chess in Slums Africa (CISA).
In the secondary school category, DaySpring School, Platforms School, and Ireti Senior Grammar School took the top three positions. Marvelvine Montessori School claimed the first position in the primary school category, followed by Scholars Academy, Ibadan, and Okikioluwa Junior.
Prince Adeyinka Adewole expressed gratitude for Ecobank’s support, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to empowering young minds and fostering intellectual growth through chess.
He highlighted the Championship as a platform for young participants to hone their skills and become world champions, celebrating strategic thinking and the future of Nigerian chess.
Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting intellectual and sports development in Nigeria.
He praised the winners as ‘rising stars’ and emphasized the bank’s objective of empowering children and youths as the next generation of changemakers.
The Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by Ikana Mbora, Director of the Federal Ministry of Sports Liaison Office in Lagos, commended the Nigeria Chess Federation and the students for their resilience and determination. He praised their spirit of excellence, reflecting the Nigerian can-do attitude.
The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) serves as the national governing body for chess in Nigeria, promoting, regulating, and developing the game at all levels.
The NCF organizes national and international chess tournaments, trains and selects players for international competitions, and promotes chess from grassroots to elite levels.
Overall, the Ecobank Chess Championship continues to produce rising stars and foster intellectual growth among Nigerian youth, with plans to make the partnership an annual event.
The Championship represents a celebration of strategic thinking, excellence, and the bright future of Nigerian chess.
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