PwC in search of future Chess Grandmasters
PwC in search of future Chess Grandmasters
Lagos, 8 June 2021 – The much anticipated PwC annual Chess4change competition kicked off on Tuesday 8 June 2021 at Molade Okoya – Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The event is expected to run till Thursday 10 June 2021.
This is the 6th edition of the competition, and it featured 18 participating schools from 6 districts. Dignitaries at the event include representatives of the Ministry of Education, Lagos State Sports Commission, Nigerian Chess Federation, Lagos State Chess Association, Principals, Teachers, and the Press.
While making the opening remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos State, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Ministry of Education, Mr. Segun Omodunni, said:
“The objectives of the programme are gradually being achieved. This includes, among others, improving the strategic and critical thinking skills amongst secondary school students in Lagos State using the game of chess. Our students have been benefiting by participating in the game and it has enhanced their critical thinking ability and promoted academic excellence as they prepare strategically for the future.
He noted further that:
“In 2018, Nigeria Chess Federation selected the top five (5) students from the 4th Edition of the PwC Chess4Change programme to represent Nigeria in the U-16 African Youth Chess Championship held in Ghana featuring 13 African Countries. It is gratifying to say that Nigeria’s Team A and B emerged as the first and second positions respectively, while Ghana, the host country, came in third place.”
On his part, Pedro Omontuemhen, Partner PwC Nigeria, said the championship is in line with PwC’s purpose of building trust in the society, he noted that:
“Chess will enhance the mental skills and abilities of these secondary school students. With Chess4Change, we are investing in future champions. We hope that over time, the competition will continue to inspire and develop critical thinking skills in young people, who will then go on to find creative ways to solve Nigeria’s problems. And of course, become chess grandmasters too.”
Commenting on the event, the winner of the 5th edition of Chess4Change Grand Slam, Godwill Ifeanyichukwu expressed appreciation to PwC Nigeria, for helping to unleash his creative talent. He said that the competition has offered him the opportunity to represent Nigeria, something he is very proud of.
Chess4Change is a key component of PwC’s Corporate Responsibility Strategy. The Initiative is supported by the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Education and the Lagos Sports Commission, as well as the Lagos State Chess Association.
