By Henry Agbu, Jalingo
The 2025 Jalingo Chess Tournament has officially opened in Taraba State, marking the second edition of the initiative organised by the Chess for Growth Academy.
The event is taking place in Jalingo, the capital city with over seventy (70) participants.
Declaring the tournament open, the Director of Chess for Growth Academy, Dankema Yusufu Umar, said the programme is designed to promote focus, intelligence, and strategy, which he described as critical skills for the future.
According to him, the theme underscores the importance of deliberate mental focus, noting that chess helps players develop intelligence and strategic thinking needed to face future challenges, including those beyond 2026.
Umar explained that the academy has made significant progress within one year, successfully establishing chess clubs across several parts of Jalingo, including Mile Six, Technobat, Nukkai, Lassandi, Atoshi, and ATC, among others.
He further revealed that the chess clubs participated in the National Sports Festival in Ogun State and the National Youth Games in Delta State, describing it as a major milestone for the programme.
“The seed we planted has started to germinate,” Umar said.
He pointed out that participation among children has increased significantly due to growing interest in the game.
He emphasised that focus involves the deliberate allocation of mental resources, noting that chess enhances intelligence and strategic thinking.
Additionally, he disclosed that while only 40 participants took part in last year’s tournament, 74 participants have registered for this year’s edition.
The Director expressed hope for even greater participation next year and commended a young creative talent, who developed a custom chess piece bearing the Taraba State Logo, produced at ATC, in the Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Taraba State Chapter, Haruna Hipson, described the turnout as impressive and praised the enthusiasm shown by young participants.
He said it was encouraging to see youths eager to compete, describing chess as a game that promotes focus, intelligence, and critical thinking.
Hipson also pledged the council’s continued support for the growth of the game, as well as harnessing young talent.
He urged youths across the state to embrace chess, noting that it plays a vital role in sharpening their thinking abilities.
Some of the participating players also commended the organisers and the state government, stating that the game has helped improve their critical thinking and mental discipline.
