PwC Nigeria, in collaboration with Media Vision, the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the Nigeria Chess Federation, successfully concluded the 9th edition of the Chess4Change initiative.
This annual programme aims to enhance the cognitive abilities of secondary school students in Lagos State through the strategic game of chess. By fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills, Chess4Change empowers young minds and prepares them for future challenges.
The two-day event, held from November 13th to 14th, 2024, engaged 18 schools in intense competition. The programme culminated in a thrilling novelty match between the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Adeyinka Adewole, and Mr. Yinka Yusuf, PwC Partner, which ended in a draw.
Kehinde Adejobi from Ajayi Crowther emerged as the overall champion, followed by Chucks Smith from Government Senior College Lagos, Eric Moore in second place and Medoye Tofunmi from GLC Maroko in third.
Yusuf expressed PwC’s commitment to sponsoring the event. According to him, PwC Nigeria remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people and contribute to societal development.
He added that through Chess4Change, the firm aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
He said: “We are proud of the transformative impact PwC’s Chess4Change has had over the past nine years. For us, chess is more than a game; it is a tool for investing in Nigeria’s future leaders. We are using chess to empower secondary school students, helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
“The impact of this initiative would not have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Education, the Lagos Sports Commission, the Nigeria Chess Federation, the Lagos State Chess Association, and Media Vision. The dedication of these stakeholders has been key to making this initiative a resounding success.”
He added that PwC would continue its support for the programme.
Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwasanmi Oluyemi, Director of School Sports at Lagos State Sports Commission, highlighted the programme’s impact over the past nine years.
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She stressed that chess fosters critical thinking, strategic planning, and patience in children, calling for its continuation to nurture future talents.
On his part, Adewole praised PwC and Media Vision for their consistent support. He expressed hope that the 10th edition would be even bigger and more impactful.
Mr. Fela Bank-Olemon, Head of Media Vision, also commended PwC for their long-standing sponsorship, noting the opportunity chess provides for children to learn and positively impact the world.
A novelty match was held between the Vice President of the Nigerian Chess Federation, and PwC Partner, Yusuf. The game was intense, with Adewole initially gaining the upper hand, but Yusuf regained momentum and the game ended in a draw after a thrilling 10 minutes.
