FirstBank of Nigeria has announced its sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, a school chess tournament.
The announcement was made at a press conference held on March 16 at Eko Hotels and Suites.
ChessMasters is an annual competition for primary school pupils aged six to 11.
It is organised by Eko Hotels and Suites and KEY Academy.
The tournament aims to bring schools together and provide a platform for children to develop thinking and problem-solving skills.
Speaking at the event the acting group head of marketing and corporate communications at FirstBank Olayinka Ijabiyi said the sponsorship is part of the bank’s engagement through its First@Sports platform.
“Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities and driving inclusion,” she said.
Ijabiyi added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s focus on education, health and welfare.
“We recognise the potential of chess to help children think and compete. We see the tournament as a platform to promote education and development,” she said.
Caline Chagoury Moudabar, co-founder of ChessMasters and her partner Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, said the partnership would support the growth of the tournament and encourage more schools to take part.
“We are happy to welcome FirstBank. This collaboration will support chess development in Nigeria and increase participation among schools,” they said.
Vice president of the Nigeria Chess Federation Adeyinka Adewole said the initiative will help develop young players.
“Chess teaches children to think, manage time and focus,” he said.
The second edition of ChessMasters will hold on May 2 at Eko Hotels and Suites.
About 150 schools in Lagos are expected to participate, with over 700 pupils competing for prizes worth N10 million.
