FirstBank Backs ChessMasters 2026, Partners Eko Hotels, KEY Academy to Boost Youth Development in Lagos
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament, in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy, as part of efforts to promote critical thinking and talent development among young Nigerians.
FirstBank disclosed the partnership during the official press conference of the tournament held on March 16, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
ChessMasters, an annual initiative organised by Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy, is designed to equip primary school pupils aged 6 to 11 with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills through competitive chess. The tournament brings together schools from across Nigeria, creating a platform for intellectual engagement and national participation.
Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the bank’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to youth development and social impact.
According to him, the initiative aligns with FirstBank’s First@Sports platform, which promotes talent discovery and community engagement 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. “With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we remain proud of our enduring partnerships, 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.”
He further noted that the initiative supports the bank’s sustainability pillars focused on education, health, and welfare, describing chess as a powerful tool for intellectual growth and youth empowerment across Africa.
Also speaking, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co-Founder of ChessMasters, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo, commended FirstBank for its support, stating that the partnership would significantly expand the reach and impact of the tournament.
They noted that the collaboration would encourage wider participation among schools and help nurture a new generation of strategic thinkers.
In his remarks, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, described chess as a vital educational tool that enhances analytical thinking, patience, and time management among children. He added that the game has also proven beneficial for children with autism by improving concentration and cognitive skills.
The 2026 edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to hold on May 2, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The tournament is expected to feature over 150 schools and more than 700 students competing for a total prize pool of N10 million.
FirstBank’s involvement underscores the growing importance of educational initiatives that combine learning with competition, positioning ChessMasters as a potential platform for nurturing future African champions while promoting education, empowerment, and leadership development.
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