The 2022 edition of the annual Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament organized by Raia Rooks Chess Academy, Ile-Ife was on Saturday concluded with lots of impressive prizes and medals won.
The two days event, held at Cameron Hotels, Ile-Ife featured eleven rounds in four categories namely Open, Female, Under 17 and Under 13.
Cash prizes worth over half a million naira were won with the winner in the first position smiling home with a trophy and a cash prize of a hundred thousand naira(N100,000).
The tournament themed, "Give Kids the World: Empowering Youth Minds", took a rather more impressive dimension with the introduction of cultural entertainers who spiced up the occasion with their beautiful performances.
In his remark, the CEO, Raia Rooks Chess Academy and chief organizer of the tournament, Hon. Bisi Awope expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors and partners of the tournament as well as all the participants.
He added that the turnout for the fourth edition was particularly impressive despite the fact that some of the prospective participants were involved in individual tournaments currently ongoing at different parts of the country.
Held from 30th of September to 1st of October, 2022, the tournament witnessed the participation of prominent national and international Chess players and officials including the Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation and a native of the city, Prince Adeyinka Adewole; Founder, Chess Academy, Ibadan, Mr. Bamigbelu Ademola, Chess Olympiad International Gold Medalist, Aikhoje Odion, FIDE Arbiter, Boyo Paul Kehinde among others.
In attendance at the closing ceremony was the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Olaniyi Adediwura Ajagbusi II, Hon. Lekan Ijiwoye as well as other prominent figures and Chiefs.
In his remark, Oba Adediwura emphasized the promotion of indigenous culture and language, particularly through sports tournament like Chess.
Ile-Ife being the cradle of the Yoruba race, the monarch added, should champion the promotion of every positive things about Yoruba, prominent among which is the language.
In his contribution, the Vice President, Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole called for improved support for Chess as a game both at the national and grassroot levels.
Also contributing, the Founder, Chess Academy, Ibadan, Mr. Bamigbelu Ademola commended the organizers of the tournament, describing it as comprehensive having brought together and showcased sports, culture and science through Chess.
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