Lagos: Esdras Adebayo of Green Springs School on Saturday stole the spotlight at the recent school chess championship, showcasing exceptional strategy and composure to clinch top honours.
His performance not only earned him the winner’s trophy but also drew praise from coaches and peers, marking him as one of the brightest young minds in the game.
The tournament was held at Bowine International School, Lagos.
Adebayo emerged as the gold medallist after winning all five rounds in the highly competitive event.
His schoolmates, Chinino Nwagwu and another teammate, won silver and bronze medals, respectively, for Green Springs School.
Adebayo displayed remarkable skill and calmness throughout, outperforming his rivals to emerge as the tournament’s overall champion.
In the Focus Master category, Iyinoluwa Idowu of Pottersland School claimed gold, while Olamide Oyesanya of Greaters School took silver. Ayomikun of Chalcedony School and Otneil of Diamond School shared bronze.
In the Tiger category, Muintaz Adelabu of Lead Forte School won gold, while Shawn Egbai of Alpha Tehillah took silver. Masterpiece Taiwo of Kiddie Quest claimed a bronze medal.
In the Panda category, Nokeem Abdurojeem of Green Springs won gold, while Zuriel Ezemagu, also of Green Springs, secured silver.
In the Faster Finger category, Samuel Oni of Green Springs School claimed gold, with Eiman Alason of Green Springs taking silver. God’s Greatness of Alpha Tehillah won a bronze medal.
Another Tiger category result saw Jesse Okike of Potterland secure gold, while Bernice Enahoro of Abba’s Heart bagged silver. Benefit Awune took bronze.
In another Panda category, Alvin Osika of Kiddie Quest won gold, Evina Shitta of Lead Forte School took silver, and Chidibem Okeafor of Bowine School claimed bronze.
David Folusho of Diamond School also won a bronze medal.
Speaking with NAN, Adebayo said he felt excited and proud to win the gold medal for his school.
“I feel happy and proud of myself that I was able to accomplish this,” he said.
The young champion described the event as enjoyable and a chance to meet new people.
“It was fun. I had the opportunity to meet a couple of new people who showed interest in future editions.
“This win is a big step forward. It inspires me to keep working hard and improve to compete internationally,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Chess and Life International School for providing a platform for young chess talents.
He noted that the victory would boost his confidence and motivate him to aim higher in future competitions.
Tournament Director Collins Rockson said his passion for nurturing children inspired his involvement in chess education.
“The love for building children inspired me. Societies that have made an impact are those that invest in their younger generation,” he said.
He described chess as an intellectual game that helps children think more deeply and become mentally stronger.
Rockson expressed optimism about the term, saying students were expected to apply their learning beyond the chessboard.
“We call it ‘Chess and Life’ because we want them to bring what they learn from chess into their daily lives,” he stated
He appreciated Bowine International School for providing venue support and urged organisations to promote intellectual development through chess.
“Most of the funding has come from me personally. With sponsorship, we can take this initiative to a higher level,” he said.
He identified a lack of sponsorship as a significant challenge and appealed for support to sustain and expand the event.
Deputy Head of School, Bowine International, Abimbola Olatoye, praised the organisers for promoting holistic child development through chess.
Olatoye described the partnership as fantastic, stating that the school’s vision aligns with nurturing young minds through academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
“As a school, Bowine International is dedicated to nurturing young minds. Chess teaches vital skills such as collaboration and problem-solving,” she said.
She added that the school remains committed to total child development and commended the organisers for their impactful initiative.