FirstBank, West Africa’s leading financial institution, has officially confirmed its sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made during a press briefing on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The annual ChessMasters tournament is designed to equip primary school children aged 6 to 11 with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Organised by Eko Hotels and Suites in collaboration with KEY Academy, the competition brings schools together nationally, providing young participants with opportunities to develop modern educational competencies while fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, emphasised the alignment of the sponsorship with the bank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare. She said, “Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative. Chess equips children to challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, making it a powerful platform for education, empowerment, and leadership development.”
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Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co-Founder of ChessMasters, alongside Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s partnership, noting that it will scale the tournament’s impact and inspire wider school participation. Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, also praised the initiative, highlighting chess’s role in enhancing concentration, analytical skills, and patience among children, including those with autism.
The 2026 edition of ChessMasters is scheduled for Saturday, 2 May 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The tournament will feature over 700 students from 150 schools, competing for a total prize pool of N10 million. FirstBank’s sponsorship demonstrates the bank’s commitment to leveraging educational initiatives to empower African youth and foster long-term community impact.
