Plateau State is making significant strides in the development of chess as a recognized sport and intellectual tool, highlighted by the successful hosting of the North Central Zonal Chess Championship in Jos. The tournament brought together players from across Nigeria including Kano, Kaduna, Benue, Abuja, Oyo, Delta, Adamawa, and other regions reinforcing Plateau’s growing status as a hub for chess development in the country.
The three-day event featured competitive action across various categories, attracting chess-playing professionals, young prodigies, and enthusiasts from different parts of the federation. Among the highlights was the participation of current national champion Terse Ferdinand, who joined the tournament from the fourth round. His presence added prestige to the competition and was complemented by the attendance of several dignitaries, including the President of the Nigerian Chess Federation (NCF), retired DIG Sani Mohamed, the representative of the Executive Governor of Plateau State and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Musa Shoms, as well as the Gwamre of Zawan, Da Christopher Mancha.
The event’s closing was marked by a special chess demonstration match between Da Christopher Mancha and sensational teenager Sarikinan Washik. The exhibition game ended in a draw and was praised by participants as symbolic of the unifying and intellectual spirit of chess. Musa Shoms, who was named Chief Administrator, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting sports development, noting,
“This is a test. This game is a game of royalty. We’re thinking of organizing Royal Chess events early next year, inspired by the Ooni of Ife, who is also a chess player.”
He expressed gratitude to the NCF for granting Plateau the hosting rights, saying:
“To all those who participated in this edition of the NCF North Central Zonal Championship, we thank you for coming to Jos. For those returning to your destinations, may you return safe and sound as you arrived.”
At the culmination of the tournament, standout performers emerged across multiple categories:
1. Sarikinan Washik claimed five points to win the Under-10 category.
2. Bulus Jonathan secured five points to top the Under-15 category.
3. Namarwa Iliya also finished with five points to win the Female Category, earning ₦150,000 in prize money.
In the Open Category, Kei Musa dominated with 7.5 points and walked away with a ₦200,000 cash prize as a reward for excellence.
The tournament included participants as young as 3 years old, with notable appearances like Abigail, a U.S.-born youngster residing in Nigeria, who impressed the crowd with her Classical East London-style gameplay.
Youth development remains a central focus of the Plateau State Chess Association (PSCA), which runs initiatives such as the “Chess in Schools” program. This initiative is introducing chess to public and private schools across the state, using it as a tool to boost memory, discipline, strategic thinking, and critical reasoning. Rising stars like Sir Kenanwa Sheik, a 9-year-old prodigy, are already emerging from this system. Many of these young players now hold official FIDE ratings, earning them national and international recognition.
Despite this progress, challenges persist particularly in terms of funding and resources. Tournament registration fees are kept low (₦2,500) to encourage participation, but many young players still struggle to afford the cost. Prize money remains modest ₦15,000 for first place and ₦7,000 for second which limits the appeal for higher-level competitors.
– Increased private and corporate sponsorship,
– Government support to embed chess in public education,
– Provision of equipment, such as chessboards and clocks,
And greater recognition of chess as a vital mental sport deserving of the same attention as physical sports.
The Plateau State Chess Association has been active since 1999 under the Plateau State Sports Council, led by a board that includes:
Mr. Pascal Niam Loja (Chairman),
Mr. Yacobo Nipumalu (Vice Chairman),
Dr. Philip Ato Udo,
Mr. Mnathilov Lar, and
Mr. Tamu Omafai.
These leaders are deeply invested in pushing chess forward on the Plateau. Organizations like Rayfield Chess Club and Ruby Chair School continue to contribute significantly by organizing competitions, training players, and producing top-tier talent.
Looking ahead, the association is planning the launch of a Governor’s Cup Chess Tournament, the establishment of a Plateau Chess League involving players of all ages, and the formal appointment of the Governor of Plateau State as Grand Patron of the association. These efforts are geared toward institutionalizing chess development and creating structured platforms for excellence.
The Nigerian Chess Federation, under the leadership of DIG Sani Muhammad (Rtd.), has recognized Plateau State’s efforts and continues to lend its support. The federation commended the state’s inclusiveness, professionalism, and passion for the sport.
In Plateau State, chess is more than a game it is an emerging vehicle for social development, educational reform, and youth empowerment. With the right support, Plateau is poised to lead Nigeria in building a sustainable chess culture that produces champions, scholars, and strategic thinkers for the future.
