At least 150 schools in Lagos are preparing to participate in the 2026 ChessMasters tournament, scheduled to take place on May 2, 2026. The event targets children in primary schools aged between 6 and 11 years old.
First Bank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, is sponsoring the tournament as part of its commitment to building talents and communities. The bank's Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications notes that the sponsorship reflects the company's dedication to driving inclusion and deepening engagement.
The ChessMasters initiative aims to celebrate talent and promote social impact through sports. According to the bank, its long history of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria is a testament to its enduring partnerships, including the Georgian Cup, the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.
The tournament's organizers are optimistic about the impact of the partnership with First Bank. Key Academy's founder, Damilola Okonkwo, appreciates the bank's support, which she believes will help scale the tournament's impact and inspire more schools to participate.
The Nigeria Chess Federation's Vice President, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, commends the initiative, highlighting its role in nurturing future chess talents.
First Bank's sponsorship of the ChessMasters tournament is a welcome development, especially given the bank's long history of supporting sports development in Nigeria. However, it remains to be seen how the partnership will translate into tangible benefits for the participating schools and children. With over 150 schools set to participate, the tournament has the potential to inspire a new generation of chess players. But what about the long-term implications of this partnership? Will it lead to a sustained investment in chess development in Nigeria, or is it a one-off gesture?
