ChessMasters is an annual competition aimed at equipping young students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Targeting primary school children aged 6 to 11, the tournament is organised jointly by Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy. Since its inception, ChessMasters has created opportunities for thousands of children across Nigeria to develop modern educational skills while fostering healthy competition among schools on a national stage.
Speaking at the press conference, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, highlighted the alignment between the bank’s sponsorship and its broader social impact initiatives.
“Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships — 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 said.
She further emphasized how the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare:
“We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level. We see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. This platform allows us to drive social impact and contribute positively to our communities.”
“We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening doors for more children and schools to participate in this year’s edition,” Moudabar said.
Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, also lauded the initiative, highlighting its role in nurturing future chess talents:
“Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and to manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism.”
The second edition of ChessMasters is scheduled for Saturday, 2 May 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition will host 150 schools from across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to participate and compete for a total prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank’s involvement in ChessMasters 2026 reinforces the tournament’s potential as a launchpad for African children, leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development while promoting critical life skills among young participants.