By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), has concluded the inaugural edition of the National School Board Games, a two-day chess tournament that brought together over 300 students from various states across the country.
The competition, held at the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) Multi-Purpose Hall, wrapped up on Tuesday, 11th February, 2025, featuring young talents in categories ranging from U-9 to U-18.
During the closing ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Lagos State, Mr. Jamiu Ali-Balogun, lauded the participants for their exceptional performances, emphasising the importance of the tournament in promoting mental growth and fostering healthy competition.
“Chess is a game of strategy and intellect, and it aligns perfectly with our vision of raising well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and leadership in the future,” he said.
Dr. Hakeem Shittu, Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, expressed his gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of education reforms in the state.
He recognised the governor’s dedication to fostering innovative learning initiatives, particularly those that enhance students’ intellectual capacities.
“Everyone is a winner here today. We encourage participants who did not win a trophy or medal to see this tournament not just as a competition but as an opportunity to sharpen their cognitive skills and build friendships with peers from different states,” Dr. Shittu remarked.
The President of the NSSF, Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, also highlighted the significance of the event, emphasising that it marked the beginning of a larger vision for the future of school sports in Nigeria. She shared plans for the introduction of additional board games like Scrabble and Monopoly in subsequent editions of the tournament.
“Winners from this event will represent Nigeria at the International School Sports Federation (ISF) and African School Sports Games in Serbia and Morocco later this year,” she added.
The tournament saw outstanding performances across various categories. In the U-9 category, Lagos State’s Dafiewharen Divine emerged as the top female player, while Dominic Duduefa from Bayelsa State claimed the male title. In the U-12 category, Patrick Florence (Lagos) and Joseph Bamidele (Male) stood out as winners.
The U-15 and U-18 categories saw Bayelsa’s Ebiakpo Treasure and Goodness claim victory in the female and male U-15 divisions, while in the U-18 division, Ebiakpo Ebidise Sunshine (Bayelsa) and Nruima Tersse Ferdinand (Lagos) took home top honours.
Trophies, medals, and certificates were awarded to the winners in each category, marking the culmination of a successful and inspiring event that showcased Nigeria’s brightest young minds.
The collaboration between LASUBEB and the NSSF has set a high standard for future educational tournaments in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of creating more platforms to nurture and showcase young talent across the country.