Nagode hosts third edition of ABN Chess tournament, donates boards to Kwara Schools

Nagode hosts third edition of ABN Chess tournament, donates boards to Kwara Schools

The third edition of the Ahmed Bolaji Nagode (ABN) Chess Tournament ended on a high note in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday, with emerging talents showcasing their skills and winners receiving prizes, trophies and recognition after intense competition at the refurbished Pa G.B. Ladipo Indoor Sports Hall of the George Innih Stadium Complex.

The tournament, sponsored by Alhaji Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, attracted 40 chess players across different age categories who competed in the Rapid and Blitz events.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Nagode revealed that his passion for chess and previous experience as an active player inspired him to establish the competition.

According to him, he was actively involved in chess during his university days, particularly at the University of Ilorin, and later as a mid-level management staff member of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

"I used to be an active chess player and that is what motivated me to sponsor this tournament. During my time at the University of Ilorin and while working with NEPA, the then Managing Director, Hamza Ibrahim, used to sponsor in-house tournaments and I participated on several occasions, winning laurels.

He addes that "Though I am now more of a passive player because of other engagements, I believe organizing a tournament is my way of giving back to the game," 

Nagode also disclosed that he attended the last Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where he observed top international players and grandmasters in action.

He stressed that chess remains a sport capable of bringing out the best in individuals and expressed his commitment to helping discover and nurture talents from the grassroots.

"The essence of this tournament is to discover and develop talents and create opportunities for players to become the best they can be. I am happy that the tournament has met and even exceeded my expectations, though there is always room for improvement. We intend to seek feedback from players and stakeholders to make future editions even better," he added.

The sponsor further expressed optimism that chess could one day become part of the Olympic Games, noting that sports such as tennis were once excluded before eventually gaining Olympic recognition.

He urged stakeholders around the world to work together towards achieving that goal.

Nagode charged participants to be worthy ambassadors of the tournament by demonstrating commitment, determination and sportsmanship both in victory and defeat.

"As chess players, you must continue to practice, review your games and prepare adequately for competitions. When you put in the work, you increase your chances of making the best moves and achieving success in tournaments," he advised.

In further demonstration of his commitment to grassroots development, Nagode donated ten chess boards to secondary schools within the Ilorin Emirate. The boards will be distributed among five schools, with each school receiving two boards.He added that the initiative will further cover other part of the state.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at encouraging chess development at the school level and creating a foundation for future inter-school competitions.

"We want to start from home first. After supporting schools, we will extend assistance to chess clubs and provide more equipment. This will help us achieve our objective of developing talents from the grassroots," he said.

In the Rapid Event played over nine rounds with a time control of 10 minutes plus 30 seconds increment, Gilbert Kenneth emerged champion, while Olotu Olanrewaju Thomas finished second. Ibrahim Opeyemi Ibrahim secured third position, while Durojaye Boluwatife Oladepo placed fourth.

The Blitz Event, played over six rounds with a five-minute time control, saw Anuebunwa Emmanuel claim first place. Bello Mubarak finished second, Maliki Idris Omidiji came third, while Aaron Desmond settled for fourth position.

Adeyemi Ayoyemi Wuraola was named the Best Female Player of the tournament.

In the junior category, Sadiq Abidat, Ezekiel Gracious, Adeoti Ajibola and Mohammed Sulaiman were recognised for their outstanding performances.

The tournament also featured the participation of several veteran chess players, adding experience and excitement to the competition.

Dignitaries at the event included the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bola Mogaji; Chairman of the Kwara State Chess Association who is also the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Honourable Femi Yusuf; Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail; veteran sports broadcaster Bayour Issah; Mallam M.J. Daudu; former SWAN Chairman, Jimoh Bashir and experienced chess arbiter, Dr. Bode Durotoye.

The event climaxed with the presentation of trophies, cash prizes and other rewards to outstanding performers, while the donated chess boards were formally handed over to chess association for onward distribution to beneficiaries as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots chess development in Kwara State.