FirstBank backs ChessMasters 2026 to deepen youth development, financial inclusion
FirstBank has strengthened its commitment to youth development and social impact with the sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026, Africa’s largest school chess championship, in partnership with Key Foundation. Unveiled in Lagos,
- By Ambrose Nnaji
FirstBank has strengthened its commitment to youth development and social impact with the sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026, Africa’s largest school chess championship, in partnership with Key Foundation.
Unveiled in Lagos, the collaboration underscores the bank’s strategy to leverage education and sports as tools for talent development, inclusion, and long-term community impact.
ChessMasters, organised by Key Foundation in collaboration with Eko Hotels and Suites, is designed to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills among primary school pupils aged 6 to 11. The initiative brings together schools nationwide, offering young participants a platform to compete, learn, and build essential life skills.
Speaking at the unveiling, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the sponsorship aligns with the bank’s broader vision of empowering future generations.
“Our support for ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to talent development, community building, and inclusion through our First@Sports initiative. For over a century, FirstBank has maintained strong partnerships in sports, including 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship,” she said.
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Ijabiyi added that the initiative also reinforces FirstBank’s sustainability focus on education, health, and welfare, positioning chess as a powerful tool for intellectual development and leadership grooming.
Founder of Key Academy, Damilola Okonkwo, described the partnership as a major boost for chess development in Nigeria, noting that it would expand access and participation across schools.
“This collaboration will help scale ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate. With strong partners like FirstBank, we are creating more opportunities for children to develop critical thinking skills and compete on a broader stage,” she said.
Also speaking, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, highlighted the cognitive and developmental benefits of chess, particularly for young learners.
“Chess teaches analysis, patience, and strategic thinking. It improves concentration and has proven beneficial, especially for children with special learning needs,” he noted.
The second edition of ChessMasters is scheduled for May in Lagos, with participation from 150 schools and over 700 students competing for a total prize pool of N10 million.
