FirstBank has partnered Eko Hotels and KEY Academy to sponsor ChessMasters 2026 School Tournament in Lagos.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that FirstBank of Nigeria has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament, in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy.
The announcement was made during the official press conference for the tournament held on March 16, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
ChessMasters is an annual chess competition designed to equip young learners with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The tournament targets primary school pupils between the ages of six and 11 and aims to provide children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational skills while bringing schools together on a national platform.
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Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the bank’s sponsorship reflects its commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening communities.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the bank’s First@Sports platform, which promotes talent development and social impact through sports.
“Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative,” Ijabiyi said.
She noted that the bank has a long-standing tradition of supporting sports development in Nigeria, citing partnerships spanning more than a century, including 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.
Ijabiyi added that the sponsorship also aligns with the bank’s sustainability pillars focused on education, health, and welfare.
She emphasised that chess can help school-age children challenge themselves intellectually and compete at high levels while developing leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co-Founder of ChessMasters, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, stating that the partnership would help expand the reach and impact of the tournament.
“We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds,” Moudabar said.
She added that with support from partners like FirstBank, the organisers aim to open participation to more schools and students in this year’s edition.
Also speaking, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, describing it as a platform for nurturing future chess talents.
“Chess connects people, ideas and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient and manage their time and resources effectively,” Adewole said, noting that the game also improves concentration and has proven beneficial for children with autism.
The second edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to take place on May 2, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. The competition will feature 150 schools across the state, with more than 700 students expected to participate and compete for prizes worth N10 million.
FirstBank said its involvement in the tournament highlights the potential of ChessMasters to grow into a pan-African platform that uses chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development among young people.
