FirstBank has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament, reinforcing its commitment to youth development and financial inclusion.
Newsonspot reports that the announcement was made during the tournament’s official press conference held on March 16, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites.
ChessMasters is an annual initiative designed to equip children aged 6 to 11 with essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Organised by KEY Academy in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites, the tournament brings together schools from across Nigeria to compete on a national stage while fostering modern educational development.
Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, noted that the sponsorship aligns with the bank’s First@Sports initiative, which promotes talent development and social impact through sports.
He also highlighted the bank’s long-standing support for sports in Nigeria, including over a century of involvement in legacy sporting events such as the Georgian Cup, Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.
Ijabiyi further explained that the initiative supports FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare, emphasizing the role of chess in helping children develop analytical thinking and competitive skills.
Also speaking, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Co-Founder of ChessMasters, alongside Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, noting that the partnership will expand participation and deepen the tournament’s impact across schools.
In his remarks, Nigeria Chess Federation Vice President, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, commended the initiative, describing chess as a powerful tool for developing concentration, patience, and strategic thinking, especially among young learners.
The second edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to take place on May 2, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The tournament will host 150 schools, with over 700 students competing for a prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank’s involvement underscores the growing importance of chess as a platform for education, empowerment, and leadership development among African children, positioning ChessMasters as a key driver of youth development across the continent.
