Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Enugu State, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, has assured that the Ministry would partner newly inaugurated Enugu State Chess Association Board, to nurture, groom and develop young chess players in the state.
Ekweremadu made the assurance, while inaugurating the Enugu State Chess Association Board in his office.
In a statement made available to newsmen signed by the Director of Information of the ministry, Dan Onwuegbulam, the commissioner expressed happiness about the quality of members of the association.
He expressed confidence that the members would help develop the game in the state.
He explained that the Chess game needed intelligence, strategy, planning and tactics, and good for young people, even as he enjoined the association to aim at catching them young.
“It is my pleasure to have you at this historic event. I am not aware of any Chess Board before now.
“I am deeply honoured at this time, this is happening, I commend you for the initiative.
“Just listening to the Resume of the members, Enugu State Chess will be in the right path, Chess will grow.
“I am gladdened that you have started work, demonstrating your commitment, clear understanding of what needs to be done.
“The aim is to catch them young, have young people in schools participate in Chess. Playing Chess goes beyond playing; it needs intelligence, strategy and tactics and good for young people,” he said.
According to him, Enugu State Government intends to finish at the top in the forthcoming 2026 CoalCity Games.
“We will partner with you; we realise that Chess event has a lot of medals, having heard what you are doing we will partner you to develop Chess in the state,” he noted.
In his acceptance speech, on behalf of the board, the Chairman, Dr.Johnny Onwumere, thanked the commissioner for giving them the opportunity to help develop Chess in the state.
He informed him that they had already started work with visit to Queens School, Enugu and College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu and other schools where they introduced the game, bought and delivered Chess equipment, taught and advised the students on how to play the game, to promote and popularize the game.
He noted that the Chess Concave has the vision to popularize, promote Chess game, even as they were planning to execute a competition.
He said they were running to get as many participants actively and to have Chess clubs in schools and ultimately participate in the 2026 Coal City Games.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman , Enugu Sports Club, Barrister Ifeanyi Nweke, enjoined, the Ministry, to utilise the sports facilities in the Club, which include, swimming pool, tennis courts, badminton court, table tennis boards, and other facilities.
He informed the commissioner that some officials of National Sports Commission, Abuja, had visited Enugu Sports Club, and adjudged it as one of the best in Nigeria.
Speaking on the occasion , the former Enugu State, Head of Service, Sir Clement Okwor, said he appreciated the work Governor Peter Mbah and the Commissioner were doing to develop the state infrastructures and sports.
Okwor pointed out that the inauguration of the board was a landmark achievement.
Members of the newly inaugurated Enugu State Chess Association Board, include, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, Chairman; Dr. J B C Emenike member; Sir Clement Okwor member; Engr. Martins Okwor member.
Others are, Arc. China Nwadiogbu member; Surveyor Charles Ozokwor member; as well as Bishop CNC Oyeledu, member; Barrister Buchi Enechi Onyia and Gil Eze; coaches.
