FirstBank Partner Eko Hotel, Backs ChessMasters 2026 To Boost Youth Development Through School Chess Tournament
By R. Olushola Okunlade
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of ChessMasters, a leading school chess tournament aimed at nurturing critical thinking and leadership skills among young learners across Nigeria.
The bank unveiled the partnership during the tournament’s official press conference held on March 16, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites. The competition is organised by Eko Hotels and Suites in collaboration with KEY Academy.
ChessMasters, regarded as one of Africa’s largest school chess tournaments, targets primary school pupils between the ages of six and 11. The initiative is designed to promote intellectual development by equipping participants with problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills, while fostering healthy competition among schools nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the sponsorship underscores the bank’s commitment to youth development, social inclusion, and community impact.
According to her, the initiative aligns with FirstBank’s First@Sports platform, which leverages sports as a vehicle for talent development and societal advancement. She noted that the bank’s long-standing support for sports in Nigeria spans over a century, including sustained partnerships with major sporting events.
Ijabiyi added that the ChessMasters initiative also reflects the bank’s broader sustainability agenda focused on education, health, and welfare. She described chess as a powerful educational tool capable of enhancing critical thinking and preparing children to compete at higher levels.
Also speaking, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, co-founder of ChessMasters, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, welcomed FirstBank’s involvement, stating that the partnership would expand the tournament’s reach and encourage wider participation among schools.
They emphasised that increased support from corporate organisations would help deepen chess development in Nigeria and provide more opportunities for young talents to emerge.
In his remarks, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, highlighted the broader benefits of chess in child development, noting that the game fosters analytical thinking, patience, time management, and improved concentration. He also pointed out its positive impact on children with special needs, including autism.
The 2026 edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to take place on May 2 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. Organisers expect participation from about 150 schools and over 700 students, competing for prizes valued at ₦10 million.
With FirstBank’s backing, stakeholders say the tournament is poised to grow into a continental platform that leverages chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development among African children.
