The Chess Heights Foundation, a beacon of chess development in Nigeria, recently celebrated a significant milestone while simultaneously issuing a clarion call for greater national involvement in the intellectual sport. The foundation, spearheaded by its founder Tolu Ogunwonbi, bestowed a prestigious award upon Joseph Adeyeye, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, recognizing his substantial contribution to the growth of chess in the country. This accolade transcended mere financial support, encompassing Adeyeye’s consistent advocacy for intellectual pursuits through journalism and sports, a testament to his personal commitment to the game and its potential to foster societal growth. The award itself, a unique piece of art crafted by chess player and artist Ibukun Sonde, symbolized the harmonious blend of creativity and strategic thinking inherent in the game. Its presentation during the Chess Heights Monthly event at Royal Rex Hotels and Spa, Okota, Lagos, further underscored the event’s significance as a platform for recognizing achievement and promoting the intellectual sport.
Ogunwonbi’s appeal for greater participation resonated deeply within the context of the award ceremony. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in nurturing the growth of chess, highlighting Adeyeye’s proactive support as an exemplary model. Unlike the typical scenario where the foundation actively seeks sponsorships, Adeyeye, driven by his admiration for the foundation’s work, voluntarily offered generous assistance not once, but twice. This proactive engagement, Ogunwonbi stressed, is the kind of commitment needed to propel chess to greater heights within the country. He implored chess enthusiasts nationwide to emulate Adeyeye’s example, contributing their time, resources, and influence to cultivate the next generation of chess players and elevate the sport’s profile. This collective endeavor, Ogunwonbi argued, is crucial for realizing the foundation’s ambitious vision of a thriving chess community across Nigeria.
Beyond the financial contributions, Ogunwonbi underscored the invaluable support PUNCH Newspapers, under Adeyeye’s leadership, has consistently provided to the Chess Heights Foundation. This support extends beyond mere reportage, reflecting a genuine commitment to promoting intellectual pursuits and recognizing the transformative power of chess. Adeyeye’s personal history as a successful chess player further solidified the connection, showcasing his deep-rooted appreciation for the game’s intricacies and its potential to cultivate critical thinking and strategic planning. This alignment of values between the foundation and PUNCH Newspapers emphasized the synergistic potential of collaborative efforts in promoting positive societal change through intellectual pursuits. The award, therefore, symbolized not just individual contribution but also the power of partnerships in achieving shared goals.
The Chess Heights Foundation, established in 2010, has been instrumental in popularizing chess across Nigeria through its meticulously organized monthly rapid tournaments. These events, designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, foster a vibrant atmosphere of friendly competition and continuous learning. Beginning its operations in Lagos, the foundation has progressively expanded its reach, encompassing 20 states with 14 actively participating as of December 2024. This growth trajectory reflects the foundation’s unwavering dedication to its mission of using chess as a catalyst for transformation and national development. The monthly tournaments serve as hubs for cultivating strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a spirit of healthy competition, essential attributes for individual and societal progress.
The June edition of the Chess Heights Monthly tournament, where Adeyeye was honored, exemplified the foundation’s commitment to creating an inclusive and stimulating environment for chess enthusiasts. The event attracted players from diverse backgrounds and skill sets, united by their shared passion for the game. This diverse participation underscores the foundation’s success in making chess accessible to a wider audience, fostering a sense of community and promoting the game as a tool for intellectual growth. The tournament served as a microcosm of the foundation’s broader vision: to establish a nationwide network of chess communities, contributing to the intellectual development of individuals and the nation as a whole.
The Chess Heights Foundation’s long-term vision is nothing short of transformative: to host the Chess Heights Monthly tournament in all 37 states of Nigeria on the first Saturday of every month. This ambitious goal underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to expanding the reach of chess and harnessing its potential to drive positive change throughout the country. By establishing a regular, nationwide platform for chess competition and learning, the foundation aims to cultivate a generation of strategic thinkers, problem solvers, and intellectually engaged citizens. This vision, underpinned by the belief in the power of chess to foster intellectual growth and national development, resonates deeply with individuals and organizations committed to building a brighter future for Nigeria. The foundation’s continued efforts, coupled with the support of individuals like Joseph Adeyeye and organizations like PUNCH Newspapers, promise to further propel the growth of chess and its transformative impact on Nigerian society.
