By Amaechi Agbo

The Enugu State Government has expressed its determination to support the growth of game of chess in the state and charged the new association in the state on talent discovery.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu gave the assurance on Monday in his office while inaugurating the Enugu State Chess Association Board.

The Commissioner expressed joy over the quality of membership of the board adding that he has confident in their capacity to develop the game in the state.

“It is my pleasure to have you at this historic event. I am not aware of any Chess Board before now. I am deeply honoured at this time this is happening and I commend you for the initiative

“Listening to the profiles of the members gave me greater confidence that Enugu State Chess will  be in the right path. Even before your inauguration, you have started work which demonstrates your commitment and clear understanding of what needs to be done”.

“Chess has become a popular game in our time, therefore the aim is to catch them young, have young people in schools participate in Chess, playing Chess goes beyond leisure, it’s a career

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Enugu State Chess Association, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, thanked   the  Commissioner for giving them the opportunity to help develop  the sport in the state.

He informed him that they  had  already started work with visit to Queens School, Enugu and College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu  and other schools, where they  introduced the game, bought and delivered Chess equipment, taught and advised the students  on how to play the game. He noted that the awareness is critical in order   to promote and popularize the game

He noted that Chess Concave, has the vision to popularize, promote  Chess game, even as they were planning to execute a competition. He pointed out they were running to get as many stakeholders actively involved in developing the game in Enugu.

Dr Onwumere also unveiled he board’s plan in the coming weeks which include establishing Chess clubs in schools, organize competition and get the prepare the athletes for the 2026 National Sports Festival which the state is hosting

In his goodwill message, the Director Coaching Mr Ephraim Ochomma, who appreciated the members for making themselves available to develop sports in the state, urged them to produce players who can win gold medals for the state .

Members of the newly inaugurated Enugu State Chess Association Board, include, Dr. Johnny Onwumere, Chairman; Dr. J.B.C  Emenike, member; Sir Clement Okwor, member; Engr. Martins Okwor, member.

Others are: Arc. China Nwadiogbu, member; Surveyor  Charles Ozokwor, member; Bishop CNC Oyeledu, member; Barrister Buchi Onyia and Gil Eze, Coach.