The 2025 Jalingo Chess Tournament has commenced in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, marking the second edition of the competition organised by Chess for Growth Academy.
Declaring the tournament open, the Director of the academy, Dankema Umar, said the initiative is aimed at promoting focus, intelligence, and strategic thinking among young people, which he described as essential skills for addressing future challenges.
Umar explained that the theme of the tournament highlights the importance of deliberate mental focus, noting that chess helps players develop the intelligence and strategic capacity required to navigate present and future demands.
He disclosed that within one year, the academy has made notable progress by establishing chess clubs in several parts of Jalingo, including Mile Six, Techobat, Nukkai, Lassandi, Atoshi, and the ATC axis.
According to him, players from the academy have also represented Taraba State at national competitions such as the National Sports Festival in Ogun State and the National Youth Games in Delta State, describing the achievement as a major milestone.
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“The seed we planted has started to germinate,” Umar said, adding that children’s participation has continued to grow due to rising interest in the game.
He revealed that while 40 players participated in the maiden edition of the tournament last year, 74 participants have registered for the 2025 edition.
Umar expressed optimism that participation would further increase in subsequent editions and commended a young creative talent who designed a custom chess piece bearing the Taraba State logo, produced at ATC in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Taraba State chapter, Haruna Hipson, described the turnout as impressive and praised the enthusiasm of the young participants.
Hipson noted that chess plays a key role in promoting focus, intelligence, and critical thinking, and pledged the council’s continued support for initiatives aimed at youth development.
He encouraged young people across the state to embrace chess as a means of sharpening their mental abilities and preparing for future leadership roles.
Some of the participants also commended the organisers and the state government, saying the tournament has contributed to improving their critical thinking skills and mental discipline.
