By James Sani in Asaba.
The Nigeria Chess Federation , NFC, has awarded seven-year-old Kogi born athlete,Miss ICHADO ISABELLA INMI – OJO,its annual sponsorship for her brilliance performance in chess in the ongoing 7th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Presenting the certificate of sponsorship to the beneficiary at the Stephen kechi Stadium Asaba, the Chairman, Technical Committee, Dr. Bode Alli. Durotoye and the General Secretary Olabolawale Adeosun, said INMI – OJO got the sponsorship based on her track record during the event.
They added that the beneficiary was also recognised, based on her performance and dedication to sport activities, especially the Nigeria Chess category in the competition.
They, however ,urged the Kogi State Government to make Sport activities one of its priority programmes, saying Kogi has a lot of athletes in all Sports activities in the federation capable of winning laurels.
The Federation,which assured INMI – OJO of its total support to groom her to the National Standard, advised her to continue in her hard work towards the game
Reacting to the development,the Kogi State coach for Chess ,Mr Innocent Ichado INMI Ojo, commented NFC for its vigilance in , choosing a talent that would make Kogi State and the country proud.
Mr Innocent,who is also the father of ISABELLA, restated his commitment to ensure that Kogi produces the best in the Nigeria Chess Federation.
He also called on the State Government to take Sports as one of the focal points in the scheme of things, stressing that sports brings unity and economic growth to any society
The Chess coach, commended the Kogi MALE under – 15 & FEMALE under – 15 for Chess event towards their efforts and capacity displayed during the competition and advised them to continue the tempo.
The beneficiary of the award expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Chess Federation for finding her worthy to sponsor her in the competition and assured the federation of her willingness to go further in the chess activities.
Meanwhile,Bayelsa State has emerged as overall winner in the Female Chess event of the National Youth Chess Championship with five Gold Medals and One bronze Medal.
In another development,the Board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation NCF donated equipment to participating states during the National Youths Games.
Presenting the Items, Uyi Akpata, who is the President of NCF, said the items were meant to promote the game of cricket at all levels of the federation.
Items donated are 30 junior batting gloves , 10 junior batting pads, and 5junior wicket keepers among others.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
