On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Eko Hotels & Suites in Lagos became the epicentre of intellectual prowess as the inaugural ChessMasters competition took place. This groundbreaking event, which saw over 500 pupils, ages 6-11, from more than 100 schools across Lagos come together, was a celebration of both youth talent and strategic thinking. The tournament not only showcased the brilliance of young minds but also reinforced the importance of chess as a tool for leadership development.
The event was a collaborative effort between Chess in Slums Africa (CISA), KEY Academy, and Art Twenty One, with the generous support of Eko Hotels & Suites, who hosted the tournament in line with their ongoing commitment to community development and educational advancement.
After hours of intense competition, the final standings saw Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa Team A, take first place, with a well-deserved victory and a cash prize of three million naira. In a close second, Home Science Association walked away with two million naira, while Skylink Children School earned third place and a prize of one million naira. The excitement was palpable as the top three teams received their well-earned prizes, marking a historic moment in youth chess competitions in Africa.
The tournament attracted prominent figures from various sectors, all united by their passion for empowering young people. Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, was in attendance and spoke about the significance of chess in developing critical life skills. He also noted that this was the start of a “chess revolution” in Nigeria. Onakoya, who has long championed the cause of integrating chess into underserved communities, expressed pride in the growth of the competition and its far-reaching potential.
Damilola Okonkwo, the founder of KEY Academy, also attended the event and shared her insights on how chess fosters essential life skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. Okonkwo emphasised the importance of programs like ChessMasters in providing opportunities for young people to excel in environments where resources are often limited.
Caline Chagoury Moudaber, Director of Eko Hotels & Suites and Founder of Art Twenty One, spoke about her organisation’s dedication to providing platforms for young talent to flourish. Moudaber reflected on how supporting events like ChessMasters aligns with Eko Hotels’ vision of nurturing a new generation of leaders who are equipped with both intellect and creativity.
With plans to expand the event in future years, ChessMasters is set to become a key fixture in the educational landscape of Nigeria and beyond. The tournament organisers aim to take the initiative to more regions and possibly other African countries, providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills on a larger stage.
The success of the ChessMasters 2025 competition also signals the potential for increased investment in chess as an educational tool, with the possibility of incorporating it into school curriculums nationwide. The prize money, more than ₦5 million, is a testament to the event’s dedication to rewarding young talent and encouraging intellectual growth among the next generation of leaders.
The ChessMasters competition is not just about winning or losing; it’s about fostering leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. Through this tournament, young participants are empowered to believe in their abilities and think critically about the challenges they face both on and off the board.
The event’s success is a testament to the dedication of all involved, and it marks the beginning of a new era for chess and youth development in Africa. With ongoing support from organisations like Eko Hotels, Chess in Slums Africa, KEY Academy, and Art Twenty One, ChessMasters is poised to continue inspiring future leaders, one move at a time.
Melissa Enoch
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