FirstBank backs ChessMasters 2026 to boost youth skills, inclusion

FirstBank of Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament, in partnership with Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on March 16, 2026, in Lagos, where organisers outlined plans for the tournament aimed at nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills among primary school pupils aged between six and eleven.

ChessMasters, an annual initiative, is designed to bring together schools from across Nigeria, providing thousands of children with opportunities to develop modern educational skills through competitive chess.

Speaking at the event, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the bank’s sponsorship aligns with its broader commitment to talent development and social impact.

“Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship,” she said.

Ijabiyi added that the initiative also supports FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of education, health and welfare.

“We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, hence we see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community.”

Also speaking, Director and Co-Founder of ChessMasters, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for the bank’s support, noting that it would expand the reach and impact of the tournament.

“We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening the doors of participation to more children and more schools in this year’s edition,” they said.

Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, commended the initiative, describing chess as a powerful tool for intellectual development.

“Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism,” he said.

The 2026 edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to hold on May 2 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The tournament is expected to attract 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students competing for a total prize pool of N10 million.

FirstBank said its involvement reinforces the tournament’s potential to evolve into a continental platform for empowering young Africans through education and strategic thinking.