UNILAG, DaySpring, Marvelvine Win 2024 Ecobank Chess Titles

The University of Lagos (UNILAG), DaySpring School, and Marvelvine Montessori School emerged victorious in the tertiary, secondary, and primary categories respectively at the 2024 Ecobank National Schools’ Teams Chess Competition, held at the Pan African Centre in Lagos this past weekend.

The competition, heralded as the largest gathering of chess players in Africa, attracted over 1200 players from more than 250 schools across 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The three-day tournament, which ran from May 24 to May 26, featured intense matches with participants vying for prizes totaling over N15 million.

At the closing ceremony, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), expressed his excitement about the growth of the championship, which was initiated last year in conjunction with the International Chess Federation’s (ICF) World Schools Team Chess Championship. “From just 15 schools in the inaugural event to over 250 this year, our partnership with Ecobank is a shining example of the public-private collaboration needed for the advancement of sports in Nigeria,” Adewole remarked.

He further elaborated on the event’s impressive turnout: “118 primary schools, 86 secondary schools, and 42 tertiary institutions participated. UNILAG topped the tertiary category, followed by the University of Benin and Chess in Slums Africa (CISA). In the secondary school category, DaySpring School took first place, with Platforms School and Ireti Senior Grammar School securing second and third, respectively. Marvelvine Montessori School clinched first in the primary school category, with Scholars Academy, Ibadan, and Okikioluwa Junior finishing second and third.”

Adewole praised the progress and success of the event, attributing it to the support of Ecobank. “Ecobank’s sponsorship has been pivotal in making this event a success. Their commitment to empowering young minds and fostering intellectual growth is truly commendable.”

Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s dedication to intellectual and sports development. “Our support for this competition aligns with our vision of nurturing the next generation of changemakers. This sponsorship is part of our strategic human capital development drive. We’re thrilled to support these rising stars and plan to make this an annual event, enriching both children and undergraduate students.”

Representing the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, Ms. Ikana Mbora of the Federal Ministry of Sports Liaison Office in Lagos, commended the participants’ resilience and determination. “The students’ efforts embody the Nigerian can-do spirit,” she said, applauding the NCF for its role in promoting chess in Nigeria.

The event also highlighted last year’s champions, Platform Schools, Ikeja, who represented Nigeria at the World Schools Team Chess Championship in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the international caliber of Nigerian chess talent.

The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), established in 1975, is responsible for promoting, regulating, and developing chess in Nigeria. Affiliated with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the NCF organizes national and international tournaments, trains and selects players for global competitions, and fosters chess development at all levels.

With a track record of producing strong chess players who have achieved significant success in African and international tournaments, the NCF continues to play a crucial role in elevating the status of chess in Nigeria. The 2024 Ecobank National Schools’ Teams Chess Competition is yet another milestone in the federation’s ongoing mission to cultivate strategic thinking and excellence among Nigerian youth.

By Lekan Olofinsusi