FirstBank Backs Africa’s Biggest School Chess Showdown as ChessMasters 2026 Heads to Lagos

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leader in financial inclusion, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. 

The announcement was made during the tournament’s official press conference held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

ChessMasters is an annual initiative designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Targeted at primary school pupils aged 6 to 11, the tournament is organised by Eko Hotels and Suites in partnership with KEY Academy. It aims to provide thousands of children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational competencies while fostering nationwide school engagement.

Speaking at the event, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said the sponsorship reflects the bank’s commitment to talent development, community building, and social impact through its First@Sports initiative.

“Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships — 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship, and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship,” Ijabiyi said.

She further noted that the initiative aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare.

“We recognise the potential of chess to help children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level. This tournament serves as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development,” she added.

Also speaking, Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co-Founder of ChessMasters, alongside her partner Damilola Okonkwo of KEY Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support. They noted that the partnership would significantly expand the tournament’s reach and inspire broader school participation.

“We are excited to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With this support, we are opening participation to more children and schools in this year’s edition,” they said.

Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, also commended the initiative, highlighting its importance in nurturing future chess talents.

“Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and strategic in managing time and resources. It also enhances concentration and has proven beneficial for children with autism,” he noted.

The second edition of ChessMasters is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition will feature 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to compete for a total prize pool of ₦10 million.

FirstBank’s involvement underscores the growing potential of ChessMasters as a transformative platform for African children, using chess as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and leadership development.