By Ebitan Egbuson
As the world celebrates World Chess Day, July 20, those who have never played the game may have a hard time appreciating the furor among players of the game, and institutions that promote and support it in other ways. Perhaps this description by actor, Dustin Diamond will help the uninitiated understand the excitement as well as the value of Chess to Nigerian society:
“Chess is a game that benefits people of all ages, especially kids, in any area of life, business, problem-solving, and social skills. Chess has the unique ability to combine focus, concentration, imagination, coordination, teamwork, and leadership all at the same time.”
With the game offering so many advantages for the youth, it is commendable to see corporate organizations helping to boost awareness and participation around Chess. LAPO Microfinance Bank, Nigeria’s largest microfinance bank has been a keen supporter of the game of chess.
For example, on Children’s Day this year, LAPO supported Chess in Slums, a non-governmental organization that uses Chess as a social development tool for indigent children, to put together the Chess for Education event, which is usually celebrated every Children’s Day. The event was a memorable, intellectual affair for 150 children, and also designed to increase participation and awareness around the game, in line with LAPO’s passion for improving lives through social initiatives.
In the words of LAPO’s Managing Director, Cynthia Ikponmwosa:
“One thing that has been critical to our secret has been our desire to improve lives. That is our tagline and our payoff line for everything that we do.”
Speaking at the event, LAPO’s Head, Digital and Social Media Corporate Communications and Branding, Adelekun Olufisayo, said that LAPO decided to partner with Chess in Slums for the initiative because it was an opportunity to engage indigent children, giving them a shot at a sustainable future.
While it is better known for initiatives to support and lift the lower income Nigerians out of poverty, through business empowerment, LAPO MFB’s vision is much wider and multidimensional.
The vision is an organic approach anchored on the understanding that the causes of poverty can often be found in the negative impact of the environment and that there’s a need to engage the mind to enable it to rise above the circumstances that have created poverty. The underlying logic is that it becomes easier to deal with material challenges once the mind has been positively impacted.
The Chess for Education event was not the first time that LAPO has demonstrated its support for the intellectually empowering game. In 2019, LAPO sponsored the National Chess Competition which had similar objectives as the Chess in Slums initiative: Stimulating positive Human capital development in our country, making the game of chess attractive and competitive, and helping re-channel the energies of the youth to more productive causes leading to a better society and an improved economy.
Such support for the game by corporate organizations is expected to encourage the government to throw its weight behind Chess initiatives, recognizing the impact of Chess on social development and the peculiar value it has for African communities.
Below are six specific advantages Chess offers African communities, justifying the promotion of the game among Nigerians, on this year’s World Chess Day, July 20, and beyond:
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
Chess is a game that demands critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning. In impoverished African communities, where educational resources may be limited, chess provides a unique opportunity for children to develop and sharpen their cognitive abilities. By engaging in the game, young minds learn to analyze complex situations, make informed decisions, and anticipate consequences. These skills, cultivated through chess, are transferable to various academic subjects and can significantly enhance overall intellectual development.
Fostering Discipline and Patience
Success in chess requires discipline, patience, and the ability to strategize for the long term. In African communities facing socio-economic challenges, where the road to progress may be arduous, chess instills these invaluable qualities in its participants. By engaging in the game, individuals learn to endure setbacks, persevere through difficult situations, and maintain focus on long-term goals. Such resilience is essential in overcoming adversity and navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
Promoting Social Integration
Chess is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, and economic barriers. In poor African communities, where divisions and disparities persist, chess serves as a unifying force. The game brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering social interaction, camaraderie, and mutual respect. By participating in chess tournaments, individuals can form friendships and build supportive networks that extend beyond the chessboard. This sense of belonging and community is vital in combating isolation and promoting positive social integration.
Empowering Women and Girls
Chess has historically been a male-dominated pursuit. However, in recent years, efforts to promote gender equality in the game have gained traction, especially in African communities. Chess programs specifically designed for girls and women provide a platform to challenge stereotypes, build confidence, and foster leadership skills. By encouraging female participation in chess, these initiatives empower women and girls, equipping them with the tools to break down gender barriers and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of their communities.
Education and Academic Performance
Chess has proven to be an effective educational tool in African communities. Several studies have demonstrated that regular participation in chess improves academic performance, particularly in subjects such as mathematics and problem-solving. By integrating chess into the curriculum, schools in impoverished areas can enhance learning outcomes and provide students with an alternative approach to developing critical skills. Moreover, chess fosters a love for learning and intellectual curiosity, encouraging students to explore and excel beyond the confines of the classroom.
Life Skills and Empowerment
Beyond its impact on cognitive abilities and academic performance, chess imparts crucial life skills to participants. Decision-making, goal-setting, and strategic thinking acquired through the game can be applied to various aspects of life, including career development and personal relationships. Chess teaches individuals the value of hard work, self-discipline, and resilience, empowering them to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. By nurturing these skills, chess helps individuals in poor African communities envision brighter futures and unlock their full potential.
As we celebrate World Chess Day, it is essential to recognize the profound significance of chess in poor Nigerian communities. Beyond being a game of intellectual pursuit, chess serves as a catalyst for empowerment, education, and social change. By enhancing cognitive abilities, fostering discipline, promoting social integration, empowering women and girls, improving academic performance, and nurturing life.
