The Olofa of Offa, His Royal Highness Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II has advocated for chess development in all the schools in Kwara State.
The Royal Father and front line sports enthusiast stated this at Ludlow Hall Offa Grammar school, Offa at the opening ceremony of Governor AbdulRahman Abdurazaq 2nd open chess challenge.
The Olofa who was represented by High Chief Tinuola Maccarthy commended the organisers for bringing the tournament to the ancient town of Offa where he predicted the audience that a world champion will be produced in no distance future.
Gbadamosi assured the participants the best hospitality in Offa. Earlier in his remarks the chairman of Kwara state chess association Abdulrasheed Aiyelabegan affirmed the readiness that the association will continue to spread the gospel of chess to build mental capacity and enhance their intellect to overcome whatever challenges they come across in life.
Aiyelabegan praised the participating schools, clubs and individuals, adding that chess will soon become a house old name as a result of strategy adopted by the board. Over 200 participants registered for the tournament with schools around Offa forming the nucleus. In furtherance of the templates to raise the game, he inaugurated the Offa Chess Club led by Mr Dere.
Mallam Aiyelabegan who expressed delight at the overwhelming support received from personalities at the occasion assured them of the state Government support to achieve their dreams.
He commended the Deputy governor of Kwara State Mr Kayode Alabi, management and staff of the Kwara state sports council also appreciated the invited guests, especially the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II who was represented at the event by Chief Mrs Tinuke Maccarthy, Board members of the Kwara state Chess Association, the media as well as the participating schools for gracing the event and making the opening ceremony a colourful and memorable one.
Among the dignitaries present at the event are: the Chairperson of the occasion, Professor Mrs Dominic Leah who is the Director of sports, University of Ilorin, the Kwara state Director of sports, Mallam Atanda Alarape who came in company of management of Kwara state sports council. secretary, the Head of coaching, head of organising, head of school sports and professor Raymond Ogunade of University of Ilorin, principal of the NOWA secondary school Offa, Lieutenant commander Eve Egumeribe, the principal of Offa Grammar School, the DPM of Offa local government area and the SUBEB secretary of the local government as well as the CEO Sportspro news Bayour Issah who also doubles as the compere at the occasion.
The participating schools at the three day Open Chess Competition which is already ongoing at the Offa Grammer School hall are: Adeola College Offa, Adesoye College Offa, OGS Offa, ACC Offa as well as Darul Mubarak college Offa.
Prizes are available for both the professional and amateur categories while special gifts will be given to winners of the female and students categories. The second edition of the governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq Open Chess Competition will end on Sunday 7th February 2021 in Offa.
