The Chairman of Kaduna State Chess Association, Musa Abdullahi, on Tuesday inaugurated the association board, with a plea for support in uplifting the sport in the state.
Abdullahi urged the board members to join hands with him in moving the sport forward not only in the state but also in Nigeria at large.
“My strong desire is to move the chess association to greater heights. So, join me in the quest to move chess forward, not only in the state, but in the country and the globe,” he said.
The association chairman added that what they as board members were expected to do was to give back to the society.
“Together, with my board members, we will ensure that chess materials are provided for the players,’’ he said.
Abdullahi said regular tournaments would be organised to test and sharpen the skills of players, as well as sponsorship to tournaments outside the state.
“The coaches have a lot of work to do. Together we must train, guide and support these players to become better in character, conduct, discipline and playing strength,’’ he said.
The association chairman urged the players to study and work hard to outshine their colleagues in the game.
“I believe the Nigerian chess scene is revolutionising and there may be opportunities on both the national and international scenes to showcase their prowess.
“Always remember that hard work will drive the Kaduna chess scene to greater heights,’’ he said.
Speaking also at the inauguration, the state’s Commissioner for Sports, Idris Nyam, congratulated the board members and urged them to work hard for the game’s growth.
Represented by Florence Yori, a Deputy Director, in the state’s Ministry of Sports, Nyam urged the members to involve more youths in the game for its progress and development.
“Chess is one of the associations which sponsor activities without being funded by government and we give kudos to them.
“We urge the association to involve more players so as to take away youths from the ills of the society,’’ he said.
Responding on behalf of the board, the association’s Vice-Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed, assured that the board would be committed to the development of chess in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the board, aside Abdullahi and Mohammed, include: Samson Ojediran (Patron) and Gloria Ahmadu (Secretary).
Others are: Udoji James, Sunday Bello, Demola Ali, Ayodele Sunday and Zakari Isah who is the Media Officer.(NAN)
