Akwa Ibom Sports Commissioner commits to Chess growth as South-South Championship ends in Uyo

Akwa Ibom Sports Commissioner commits to Chess growth as South-South Championship ends in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the development of chess and other sporting activities as the South-South Chess Championship ended in Uyo.

The championship, which brought together chess players from various South-South states and different age categories, was held from September 3 to 6, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Elder Paul Bassey attended the closing ceremony as Special Guest, where he praised the organisers and participants for a successful championship.

In his remarks, the Commissioner said the administration of Governor Umo Eno would continue to invest in sports as part of its broader development agenda.

He noted that the decision to establish a standalone Ministry of Sports was driven by the administration’s vision to give sports greater attention and ensure that athletes and sporting disciplines receive the necessary support to thrive.

Bassey expressed particular admiration for chess players, describing the sport as one that requires a high level of intellectual ability, concentration and strategic thinking.

He promised that his ministry would explore ways of supporting the further development of chess in Akwa Ibom State.

The Commissioner also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Chess Federation for choosing Uyo as the host city for the championship, assuring the federation and other sporting bodies that the Akwa Ibom State Government would continue to support competitions that contribute to the growth of sports in the state.

Earlier, tournament organisers and officials of the Nigeria Chess Federation praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for what they described as a “tournament-saving intervention”.

According to them, the state’s decision to accept and approve the hosting of the championship in Uyo was instrumental to the successful staging of the event.

The championship featured participants from different South-South states, with competitions spanning various age categories. Young players were also given the opportunity to compete, providing a platform for identifying and nurturing future talents in chess.

Among the special prize winners was Ekpeyong Ekerette, who was named Best Indigene, while Ochemba Donald Udoma won the Best Junior prize and Ofon Akwaima Sparkle emerged as the Youngest Player.

In the Open category, Akinrogunde Clinton finished first, followed by Nyuima Tersee and Tyowase Collins. Ikechi Blessing emerged as the Best Female player, with Oyelese Mayomi and Ebiakpo Sunshine taking second and third positions respectively.

In the Under-20 category, Oyemuwa Victor emerged first, followed by Itsekiri Emmanuel and Thomas Ndifreke.

The closing ceremony attracted several leading figures in Nigerian chess, including the South-South representative on the board of the Nigeria Chess Federation and tournament organiser, Dr Eugene Unwana, PhD.

Also present were four-time National Chess Champion and Olympiad FIDE Master, Bomo Kighigha; World Amateur Blitz and Rapid bronze medallist, Dr Akomaka Apollos; National Arbiter, Mr Nnamso Umoren; and the South-East Zonal Representative on the board of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Dr Donald Onyekwere.

The successful conclusion of the championship further strengthened Akwa Ibom’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting competitions, while providing chess players from the South-South region with valuable competitive experience.