From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Chess players sweat it out in a competition
The Commissioner of Sports in Kogi state, Idris Musa has commended chess sponsor in the state, Daniel Achema for sponsorship of National Chess Competition in Lokoja. Daniel is son of late Dr Steven Achema, former Senior Special Assistant on Labour and Professional Matters to Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo.
The commissioner said that the gesture would boost sporting and commercial activities of the state within the period.
Musa gave the commendation while speaking during the closing ceremony of the tournament in Lokoja on Sunday.
He said the host of the national tournament in Lokoja, the state capital has no doubt impacted positively on the Chess admirers in terms of useful interactions and publicity of the indoor board game that is partially new to many people.
The commissioner assured that Kogi state government will not relent in the provision of enabling support for Chess game and other sporting activities to thrive in the state.
He therefore called on sports philanthropists, spirited individuals and organizations across the state to emulate the effort of Daniel Achema in sponsorship of National Sports Competition of their favourite games.
In his introductory speech, Daniel Achema, the sponsor of the Chess tournament said the event was powered by him to honour his late father, Dr. Steven Makoji Achema of the blessed memory.
Achema assured that he will continue to encourage youth participation in the game as part of his contributions to the development of sporting activities in Nigeria.
He said the tournament will go a long way in promoting peace and unity among Nigerian youths as well as creation of awareness on board game in the country.
Achema explained that the board game competition like any other sporting tournaments is actually a battle between two players where there must be winner and loser.
The Chess lover said his late father lived a life worthy of emulation and deserved to be honoured in all ramifications
