By Ayomide Otitoju
As the world marks World Chess Day, the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has commended EcoBank Nigeria for its sustained commitment to youth education and development through its flagship chess initiative.
The recognition follows the success of the EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship, which drew over 2,000 students from more than 500 schools nationwide. The event, held from June 26 to 28 at the EcoBank Pan African Centre in Lagos, featured teams from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, making it one of the most inclusive educational tournaments of the year.
In a statement signed by Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele, NOMA’s Public Relations Officer, the Chairperson, Theresa Moses, praised EcoBank for setting a benchmark in private sector involvement in education.
“EcoBank is a shining example of how corporations can impact youth development through skill-based initiatives like chess,” she said. “We urge other stakeholders to embrace similar platforms to build a smarter and more resilient generation.”
Adebukola Ademuyi, Head of Education Field and Social Services at EcoBank, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to education-focused CSR.
“This championship aligns with our broader human capital development agenda. We are proud to support a game that sharpens intellect and builds strategic thinking,” she said.
Austin Osokpor, Head of Corporate Communications at EcoBank Nigeria, added that chess plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders.
“Chess teaches strategy, patience, and resilience—all critical skills for the next generation. This tournament is a legacy initiative for education in Nigeria,” he noted.
The championship, organized in collaboration with the Nigeria Chess Federation, has become a platform for nurturing talent, fostering national unity, and promoting job creation through the training of chess instructors in schools.
NOMA used the occasion to call on more corporate entities to adopt EcoBank’s model of purpose-driven investment in education. The alliance reaffirmed its dedication to promoting youth-centered initiatives that contribute to nation-building.
World Chess Day, celebrated every July 20, commemorates the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924, recognizing chess as a universal language for peace, education, and global harmony.
