Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, promising improved infrastructure and greater opportunities for athletes to excel at both national and international levels.
The governor made the pledge in Ilorin during a chess tournament organised to mark the seventh anniversary of his administration.
Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, AbdulRazaq said the state government had made significant investments in the sports sector and would continue to provide a conducive environment for athletes’ training and competition.
“We have made huge investments in the sports sector and will continue to provide a conducive environment for the training of our athletes and competitions,” he said.
“It is our hope that by next year, chess players in the state will have a dedicated hall for their activities.”
The governor also called for increased scholarship opportunities for outstanding chess players, stressing that the game plays an important role in promoting concentration, discipline, determination and intellectual development.
Describing chess as a sport that demands high mental capacity and strategic thinking, AbdulRazaq commended the organiser of the tournament, former Special Assistant on Student Matters, Mubarak Bello, for his contribution to the growth of the game in the state.
He specifically praised Bello, a well-known chess enthusiast, for donating equipment to the association, describing the gesture as a valuable boost to chess development in Kwara.
The tournament featured the presentation of chess equipment to the association and attracted players, officials, sports administrators and stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking at the event, Bello expressed appreciation to stakeholders, officials and participants for ensuring the success of the competition.
He particularly acknowledged the support of the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, leaders of the Chess Association, arbiters, media personnel and chess enthusiasts.
Bello also paid tribute to veteran chess player and administrator Dr Rotimi Uthman, describing him as a chess genius and mentor whose contributions continue to inspire younger generations.
He further praised the arbitration team led by Adelayo Kosoko for ensuring a smooth and successful competition.
As part of efforts to promote chess in the state, Bello announced the donation of two chess boards to the Kwara State Sports Commission and the chess community.
He pledged to sustain the initiative and expressed optimism that future editions would attract participants from beyond Kwara State.
Also speaking, Patron of the Nigeria Chess Family, Dr Bode Durotoye, described the tournament as an important platform for discovering and nurturing young talent.
He commended both the organisers and the Kwara State Chess Association for successfully staging the competition.
The tournament attracted nearly 100 participants, including chess enthusiasts, players and sports stakeholders from across the state.
At the end of the competition, Malik Idris and Oyinkansola Akinyemi emerged champions in the male and female categories respectively.
Bello Mubarak and Adeniyin Favour finished second and third in the male category, while Sadiq Abidat Temitope and Al-Imam Kudirat Olamide claimed second and third places respectively in the female division.
Muhammad Olarewaju was also recognised as the tournament’s Best Junior Player.
