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GWR Holder Onakoya Battles Quickpen in Epic Chess Contest

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2024

Eric

The Nigerian chess community has set aside June 11, 2024 to witness an extraordinary event as seasoned Guinness World Record holder and founder of Chess In Slums Africa (CISA), Tunde Onakoya, squares off against Nigerian chess prodigy and National Women’s Chess Champion, Deborah Quickpen.

The special match, which aims to promote chess in Nigeria, celebrate the mind sport as a powerful tool for change and raise essential funds to support the transformative Chess In Slums charity and Deborah Quickpen’s chess career, and powered by Daniel Ford International (U.K), will take place in Lagos between 3 and 6pm

Tunde Onakoya is renowned for his remarkable achievements in the global chess community, and his commitment to apply chess to empower children from underserved communities. His internationally acclaimed Chess In Slums project has provided children accross Africa with educational opportunities and life skills.

Speaking on the event, Onakoya revealed that “This match is a testament to the potential that lies within every child. Deborah’s talent and dedication are truly remarkable. Through Chess in Slums, we aim to unlock this potential in many more children across Nigeria.”

On her part, Deborah Quickpen, a rising star in African and world chess, has already made waves with her exceptional talent and achievements at such a young age. Deborah is currently ranked no 1 in Nigeria and No 4 in Africa across all female age groups. She is the current Nigeria National Women’s Chess Champion, the youngest person to hold that title in Nigerian chess history. Deborah’s journey in chess has been nothing short of inspiring, and her participation in this match symbolizes the bright future of Nigerian chess.

“I am excited and honored to play against Mr. Onakoya. Chess has changed my life, and I hope this match inspires other young people to take up the game and see where it can take them,” Quickpen said.

The event is also supported by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

“NIDCOM’s involvement underscores the importance of the Nigerian diaspora in championing local causes and highlights how the diaspora can be an invaluable asset to Nigeria. By championing this event, NIDCOM encourages the Nigerian diaspora to actively participate in and contribute to initiatives that foster education and empowerment within their homeland,” a Daniel Ford source said.

The proceeds of the match will be channeled towards expanding the reach and impact of Chess in Nigeria.

The event will be streamed live, allowing chess enthusiasts and supporters around the globe to witness the match.

About Chess In Slums Africa

Chess in Slums is a non-profit organization dedicated to using chess as a medium to engage, educate and empower children from underprivileged backgrounds. Through structured chess programs, the organization provides these children with critical thinking skills, discipline, and the confidence needed to pursue their dreams.

Featured

Dangote Launches Historic ₦1trn Scholarship Scheme for 1.3m Students

Published

9 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Eric

The Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), Aliko Dangote, has launched a ₦1 trillion scholarship programme targeting more than 1.3 million Nigerian students over the next decade.

The initiative, the largest private-sector education support scheme in Nigeria’s history, will begin in 2026 with ₦100 billion disbursed annually across all 774 local governments.

The programme focuses on vulnerable learners, supporting undergraduate STEM students, technical trainees, and secondary school girls through tuition aid, study materials, and essential learning supplies.

It will be implemented through a fully digital, merit-based system in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC and NECO.

Dangote said the intervention is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, stressing that financial hardship—not lack of talent—is the major barrier keeping many young people out of school. He added that 25 percent of his wealth has been committed to sustaining the Foundation’s long-term programmes.

Vice President Kashim Shettima described the scheme as a transformative act of nation-building, noting that it complements government reforms in basic, tertiary and technical education.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the programme aligns with the administration’s goal of transitioning Nigeria into a knowledge-driven economy, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, pledged the governors’ full support.

Traditional rulers including the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, who chairs the programme’s steering committee, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the initiative as unprecedented in scope and impact.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also commended the scheme, saying it will create conditions for children to learn and families to thrive.

The scholarship initiative reinforces the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s mission to expand opportunities, drive social impact and improve the wellbeing of communities across Nigeria.

Featured

Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Ikpeazu, Others Scale Senate Screening Hurdle for Ambassadorial Positions

Published

1 day ago

December 11, 2025

Eric

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador.

Other nominees cleared by the committee include former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.

Also confirmed were former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; former Governor of Enugu, State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

The screening session, conducted in batches of five nominees each, experienced a mild drama during Omokri’s turn.

Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed on how his clearance should proceed.

After Omokri’s batch had introduced themselves, Ndume moved a motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and leave.

Some senators, including Oshiomhole, indicated they wanted to comment.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, recognised Oshiomhole to speak, but Ndume insisted that his motion should be seconded before allowing further interventions.

This led to a sharp disagreement between the two senators.

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Tinubu Reiterates Directive on Withdrawal of VIP Police Protection

Published

2 days ago

December 10, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has insisted on his earlier directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers from very important persons (VIPs) in the country.

On November 23, Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country during a security meeting with the inspector-general of police (IGP), the chiefs of army and air staff, and the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The president said the move was aimed at boosting police presence in communities, especially remote areas where stations are understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.

Speaking at the opening of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu warned against non-compliance and directed Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Ibrahim Gaidam, minister of police; and Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The president noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, adding that the protection of a select group of VIPs is not their responsibility.

The president ordered Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, to make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by civil defence corps.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.

“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The civil defence is very much around.”

Tinubu said there is a need to mobilise the police appropriately due to the country’s security challenges.