By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 2024 National Schools’ Team Chess Competition is anticipated to be bigger with the inclusion of Ecobank Nigeria as a strategic partner of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), the organisers of the event.
The Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, explained that the decision of the bank to sponsor the chess competition was to further showcase the company’s commitment to supporting intellectual and sports development in Nigeria, being part of Ecobank’s strategic human capital development drive.
“Children and youth empowerment is part of our shared objective as the pan-African Bank.
“It aligns with our overall long-term vision of building a world-class pan-African bank that contributes to the economic and financial integration of the continent.
“We are also using the opportunity of this competition to introduce and empower them with convenient, affordable, and accessible digital financial services they can access anytime and anywhere they are.
“Arrangements are in place to make the competition exciting and fulfilling for both the children and undergraduate students,” he disclosed.
Business Post reports that the tournament will take place from May 24 to 28, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Lagos.
The event is open to students from primary, secondary and tertiary education levels with prizes of over N10 million to be won.
Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Development, parents, teachers, embassies and several others are expected at the competition.
Registration and participation are free, and the school’s team can register by sending an email to: [email protected].
The Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole, who described chess as the game of kings and queens, said it has proven to be more than just a pastime, stating that it is an educational tool that enhances critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
While commending Ecobank for being a good ‘corporate citizen’ for sponsoring the competition, he noted that the contest would promote and showcase the skill and talent of chess players from Nigerian schools, while promoting teamwork, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship among participants, and providing networking opportunities to players.
He enjoined all the institutions to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the prestigious event, adding that participation will undoubtedly contribute to the championship’s success and provide an enriching experience for the participating students.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere