Chess is a game that many have played in their childhood and made them successful brains today. When thinking about increasing children’s intellectual development, chess has become an important component. It is said to have built creative thinking, raised IQ scores, enhanced memory, and sustained problem-solving skills.
Playing chess has helped in adjusting and acquiring different approaches and how to make the next step to victory.
On October 14, 2023, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd (SEEPCO) in partnership with Chess in Slum Africa, organised a ‘Chess Beyond Borders’ event for children from slums at Bon Voyage Hotel, Lagos.
Dignitaries like executive chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku; chairman, Lagos State Chess Association, Mr. Tokunbo Fagun; Scholarship Manager, Chess in Slum, Africa, Ms. Esther Hunkuten, and project coordinator, Chess in Slum, Africa, Mr. Samuel Awobajo, graced the event.
At the event, executive chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, said: “The Chess in Slums initiative ensures that the children from the marginalised part of the society have a shot at a sustainable future. He further commends Chess In Slum Africa for such initiatives, nothing that it would help to achieve the desired goal of transforming lives.’’
Being a child-development programme, the event was designed to enhance strategic and critical thinking skills, and mathematical skills of children by cultivating a passion for the game amongst children.
The event gathered exceptional minds, future leaders, and chess stars from the slums. There were children from various backgrounds, cultures, and capabilities.
For his part, chairman, Lagos State Chess Association, Mr. Tokunbo Fagun, said: “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through chess, it is igniting a spark of curiosity and intellectual growth in children.’’
Chess is the gymnasium of the mind. It has no boundaries; it transcends language, age, and social status, unites, teaches us valuable life lessons, and creates lifelong friendships.
Chess in Slum, Africa believes every child deserves an equal opportunity in attaining better life and has adopted an innovative approach with the use of the game of chess to empower children from less privileged backgrounds to learn academic, educational and critical thinking skills that will help them secure a better tomorrow.
With this initiative, SEEPCO is committed to empowering slum children with expertise that will shape their future, training them to defeat any challenge that lies ahead. SEEPCO embarks on a journey that goes beyond the 64 squares of a chessboard, breaking barriers and building bridges towards a more comprehensive and impartial world.
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