Chess tournament debuts at Akada Children’s Book Festival

As part of activities lined up to mark the 2022 edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), organisers of the festival have announced their partnership with Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organisation that leverages the game of chess to lift disadvantaged children out of poverty and societal denigration. 

Recognised as Nigeria’s first and largest book festival specifically designed for children, ACBF will hold its first chess tournament in the festival’s history. Tagged ‘Beat the Champ’, the game will take place during the book festival on Saturday, October 29, at UpBeat Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Speaking on the importance of the chess tournament, Omawumi Ogbe, the Festival Director, said it is part of new activities introduced to improve critical thinking skills and exercise the mind of children. 

The tournament will see participants try to beat chess champion, Ninilowo Jamiu. A former apprentice mechanic before he was introduced to the game of chess by Chess In Slums Africa, Jamiu won his first chess medal in a tournament hosted by Chess in Slums in collaboration with DanhyPro, at Majidun, Ikorodu. 

In 2022, Jamiu won the ‘Chess to the Skies’ tournament organised by Lufthansa Airlines at their Lagos office. At the Oshodi Underbridge, he taught former Manchester United player, Patrice Evra, how to play chess and also defeated four sailors from the Canadian Royal Naval team. 

Speaking on the partnership, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, said: “With chess, there is a pipeline to technology, education, and vocational training. With this partnership, we hope to expose more children to the value of chess and the benefits of starting the game at an early age.” 

The one-day festival is poised to attract over 3000 attendees with various fun activities for children and adults. 

Participants across Lagos and nearby towns can register for free to attend at akada festival .