The PwC Chess4Change programme kicked off with a press conference to announce the commencement of the 8th edition of the program. The program which started with 6 pilot schools has expanded over the years with over 40 unique schools benefitting from the initiative.
The 8th edition of the programme will have eighteen secondary schools across four (4) education district with four (4) new schools making their debut.
Mr Pedro Omontuemhen, Country Operations Partner, PwC reiterated the firm’s commitment to continue to use chess to inspire and positively change the lives of the secondary school students. He said, “Chess4change is helping us to make a sustained impact in society, focusing on youth education. For eight years, it has allowed the students to compete, have fun, and reap the intellectual and critical thinking benefits from playing chess.” He also reiterated why the firm has focused this initiative on public schools so that children from parents in the lower economic classes can participate and benefit from this elite sport
Mr. Ilesanmi Temitayo, Representing the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Lagos State, in his remark encouraged the students to look for inspiration in the trail-blazing examples of young chess players like them, including Ferdinand Maumo, a ten-year-old cerebral palsy; Tanitoluwa Emmanuel Adewumi, a twelve-year-old FIDE Master; and Adeoye Fawaz, an eighteen-year-old champion from Chess in Slums.
Mr. Adeyinka Adewole Vice President of Nigeria Chess Federation commended the organisers of Chess4change, noting that while Nigeria is yet to produce a Grandmaster, the highest title in chess, we have International Masters one of which is Isaac Okeke a product of Chess4Change and the likes of Jessica Pelomoh, a one-time the highest-ranked female chess player in Nigeria. He challenges the students to participate actively as a Grand master could emerge from among them.
Fela is the Co-founder of MediaVision Limited .
