By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As part of activities to mark the 2022 celebration of the Children’s Day, the Jedela Talent and Skills Centre in collaboration with Kaduna Chess Association, held a chess tournament where winners in all categories emerged.
The Children’s Day Chess Tournament was for children between ages 8 to 13 and 14 to 17 categories.
The tournament which produced the finals that climaxed on May 27, 2022, commenced on May 13, from where finalist for Kaduna South and Chikun local government areas area were produced.
Similarly, on 20 and 21 May, the finalists for Kaduna North and Igabi local government areas were produced.
At the end of the tournament, Ola Praise, Onoriode Bernice, Suleiman Abdulhameed emerged first, second and third respectively in the U-14 category for the South, while Yakubu Hameeda, Opeyemi Shalom and Obaro Ejewe emerged first, second and third respectively for the same category for the North.
In the U-18 category, Jessica Bello, Demia Joshua and Jehu Bello finished first, second and third respectively from the South, while Adiza Abdul, David Achir and Timothy Peace came first, second and third respectively for the North.
Speaking on the tournament, Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports Development, Idris Samaila Nyam who was represented by a staff of the ministry and Secretary of Kaduna Chess Association, Gloria Ahmadu, commended the organizers for providing an opportunity for the children to showcase their talents in the game of chess.
Also speaking, Chairman Kaduna State Chess Association, Navy Capt. Musa Abdullahi (rtd), represented by Coach Felix Onoriode, said that, “Chess has a way of developing and sharpening the brains of humans, especially young ones, like our children here. So, I can beat my chest to say – chess is a good game for our kids. It will help them in their academic careers and life in general”.
Earlier, the Managing Director Jedela Talent and Skills Centre, Mrs. Rachael Keke said they are committed to providing opportunities for children to showcase talents in sports.
At the end of the tournament, medals where presented to participants, while winners smiled home.with various cash prizes.
