Over 200 Schools Register for Ecobank Chess Competition

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

No fewer than 200 schools have indicated interest in the Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship, which has N15 million up for grabs.

The chess competition, which is open to primary, secondary and tertiary students, is scheduled to kick off on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos.

Despite the huge enthusiasm shown towards the forthcoming tournament, Ecobank has enjoined interested institutions that are yet to register to do so by sending an email to [email protected].

It said, “Registration is absolutely free. Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the prestigious event. It will provide an enriching experience for the participating students. Apart from the prizes to be won, there is also an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the world chess competition.”

Business Post reports that the bank is organising the contest in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF).

The Vice President of the federation, Mr Adeyinka Adewole, has expressed his excitement over the enthusiasm the competition has generated from the target groups and members of the public, stating that every arrangement had been put in place to make the competition a huge success.

“We are impressed with the level of interest schools are showing towards the competition judging by the registration so far. As we speak, over 200 schools which cut across primary, secondary, and tertiary schools from all over the country have registered for the competition.

“It’s going to be an exciting time. All arrangements are in place to make the competition exciting and fulfilling for the competitors and indeed all stakeholders. We encourage Nigerians from all walks of life, especially sports enthusiasts to attend the event and support teams of their choice as a way of encouraging young people to aim for the best,” he stated, reiterating that the game is not just for passing time, but an educational tool that enhances critical thinking, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

Mr Adewole also paid tribute to popular chess master, Mr Tunde Onakoya, who recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, United States, noting that the global acclaim was a further proof that chess is not a pastime sport but a tool for social inclusion and development.