By Amaechi Agbo
The Enugu State Government has expressed its determination to support the game of chess in the state and charged the Chess association in the state on talent discovery.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu gave the assurance on Monday in his office while inaugurating the Enugu State Chess Association Board.
The Commissioner expressed joy over the quality of members of the association, adding that he has confident in their capacity to develop the game in the state.
It is my pleasure to have you at this historic event. I am not aware of any Chess Board before now. I am deeply honoured at this time this is happening and I commend you for the initiative ‘’
“Listening to the profile of the members gives me greater confidence that Enugu State Chess will be in the right path, Chess will grow. Even before your inauguration, you have started work which demonstrates your commitment and clear understanding of what needs to be done’’.
“Chess has become a popular game in our time, therefore the aim is to catch them young, have young people in schools participate in Chess, playing Chess goes beyond leisure, it’s a career
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Enugu State Chess Association, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, thanked the Commissioner for giving them the opportunity to help develop the sport in the state.
He informed him that they had already started work with visit to Queens School, Enugu and College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu and other schools, where they introduced the game, bought and delivered Chess equipment, taught and advised the students on how to play the game. He noted that the awareness is critical in order to promote and popularize the game
He noted that Chess Concave, has the vision to popularize, promote Chess game, even as they were planning to execute a competition. He pointed out they were running to get as many stakeholders actively involved in developing the game in Enugu.
Dr Onwumere also unveiled he board’s plan in the coming weeks which include establishing Chess clubs in schools, organize competition and get the prepare the athletes for the 2026 National Sports Festival which the state is hosting
In his goodwill message, the Director Coaching Mr Ephraim Ochomma, who appreciated the members for making themselves available to develop sports in the state, urged them to produce players who can win gold medals for the state .
Members of the newly inaugurated Enugu State Chess Association Board, include, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, Chairman; Dr. J.B.C Emenike, member; Sir Clement Okwor, member; Engr. Martins Okwor, member.
Others are: Arc. China Nwadiogbu, member; Surveyor Charles Ozokwor, member; Bishop CNC Oyeledu, member; Barrister Buchi Onyia and Gil Eze, Coach.
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