The fifth edition of the PwC Chess4Change kicked off with a press conference held at the Grand Junction, Landmark Towers, 5B Water Corporation road, Oniru, Lagos.
ATTENDANCE
The Press Conference had in attendance:
- Mr Pedro Omontuemhen – Country Operations Partner, PwC
- Delia Asuzu – Senior Manager, Clients and Market Development, PwC
- Adeyemi Lekan – President, Nigeria Chess Federation; Vice President, World Chess Federation
- Alhaji Bode Ali Durotoye – Lagos Liaison Officer, Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports Development.
- Mrs Aregbesola Abiola – Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC)
- Jimmy Sogbesan – COO, MediaVision Limited
- District Officers
- Teachers
- Chess Facilitators
- Students
- Press
NARRATIVES
The PwC Chess4Change Press Conference kicked off with a welcome remark by Mr. Jimmy Sogbesan, COO MediaVision Limited. He commended PwC for sponsoring an initiative that develops the qualitative reasoning and leadership skills of secondary school students in the State for 4 years. He added that “Choosing the game of chess to develop the community indicates that PwC is a Pacesetter organization”. He appreciated the Ministry of Education and Lagos State Sports Commission for their commitment and relentless support towards the success of the initiative.
Moving further, the Nigeria Chess Federation was applauded for supporting the PwC Chess4Change Initiative. In closing, he highlighted that there has been a significant improvement in the academic performance of the participants which indicates that they understand the impact of the initiative and he urged the students to stay focused.
1st Remark – Mr. Pedro Omontuemhen
He welcomed everyone to the Press Conference and emphasized that the objective of the PwC Chess4Change Initiative is to develop and impact students in public secondary schools positively with the game of chess. He stated that PwC is looking forward to expanding and hosting the 6th Edition of the PwC Chess4Change Initiative.
One of the highlights of the 5th Edition is that the GrandSlam winner will be sponsored to participate in an international chess competition says Mr. Pedro Omontuemhen. He also urged the female students to participate more in the initiative.
2nd Remark – Mr Adeyemi Lekan
He started his remark by commending PwC for their selfless contribution to the improvement of secondary school students in Lagos State. He also stated that he looks forward to collaborating with PwC and MediaVision Limited with the aim of taking the PwC Chess4Change initiative to the next level.
He emphasized the importance of training the students to become problem solvers through chess which will translate into producing excellent future leaders. He added that the game of chess can be nurtured into a profession which will give them world recognition and respect.
In closing, he urged the students to never neglect their education and should also utilise the opportunity PwC Chess4Change has provided.
3rd Remark – Mrs. Aregbesola Abiola
Representing the Chairman LSSC, Mrs Aregbesola commenced with the statement “Silver and Gold cannot buy the opportunity PwC Chess4Change has given the students”. She mentioned that chess is a sport that develops every area of a person’s life. She also added that the game of chess is not for the brilliant students alone, students can mould themselves to be brilliant through the game of Chess.
Moving further, she stated that Chess Players are always calm and reserved which is an outstanding characteristics they should imbibe.
Vote of Thanks
The Press Conference ended with a vote of Thanks by Farukat from New Era Girls High Schools.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
