•••The Enugu Sports Club-led initiative continues its transformative journey across secondary schools, introducing students to the power of chess as a tool for cognitive growth, confidence, and lifelong leadership.
— GMTNewsng, July 5, 2025
Enugu, Nigeria – The strategic promotion of chess as a tool for youth development continued in earnest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as the Enugu Chess Association (ECA) visited Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu. This marks the second stop in a series of outreach efforts designed to instill strategic thinking and discipline in secondary school students across the state.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Chess Conclave, a specialist group under the Enugu Sports Club, is part of its “Catch Them Young” programme – a long-term campaign aimed at nurturing cognitive excellence, self-discipline, and leadership through chess.
“We are now in the second phase of our outreach – going around secondary schools to promote the development of proper chess players. The goal is to catch them young,” said Dr. Jonny Onwumere, Chairman of the Enugu Chess Association.
Pic. 1: Gil Eze (extreme left) taking the students on a chess lesson at FGC Enugu; Pic. 2: Douglas Ukpi (left standing and Gil far middle) with students at FGC Enugu (Photo credit: GMTNewsng)
“When we visited Queen’s School earlier, we focused on engaging the lower classes. This ensures continuity and early mastery – the essence of our strategy.”
Dr. Onwumere emphasized that early exposure to structured games like chess has long-term academic and behavioral benefits.
“In the world of games and mind sports like chess, early exposure is crucial. It’s a powerful, accessible tool that helps young people discover their potential and learn to win – not just on the board, but in life,” he added.
At Federal Government College Enugu, students gathered eagerly to welcome the team, which included Sir Clement Okwor, former Enugu State Head of Service and Deputy Leader of the Chess Conclave, whose quiet yet deliberate coordination helped ensure a successful visit. Sir Okwor, widely respected for his commitment to public service, now brings the same energy and foresight to youth development and mind sports.
Boosting Institutional Support with Equipment Donations
The ECA also presented special chess materials, including a high-quality chess clock – a first for the college. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the school principal, Mr. Douglas Ukpi, Games Master and patron of the school’s chess club, commended the gesture.
“On behalf of the Principal, I sincerely appreciate the gift, especially the chess clock – the first of its kind here,” Ukpi said. “With this support, we believe our students will not only learn more but also understand the depth and discipline the game demands. We truly value this gesture and look forward to deeper collaboration.”
Ukpi further noted that although the Principal was unavoidably absent, the gift would be formally presented to him upon his return.
Chess as a Model for Experiential Learning
During the training session, Dr. J.B.C. Emenike and Gil Eze, members of the training team, stressed the importance of experiential learning.
“If I simply go ahead and play without involving them, the knowledge won’t take root,” said Dr. Emenike. “Real learning happens when students participate – when they feel it, connect with it, and follow through. Now that they’re beginning to grasp it, our next visit will focus on performance. That’s how we build confidence and mastery.”
Students React with Excitement and Inspiration
The session sparked excitement among students, many of whom had never seen a chess clock in action.
“Today was a turning point for me,” said Chiamaka Eze, a senior student at FGC Enugu. “I used to think chess was just about moving pieces, but now I see it’s about thinking ahead and staying calm under pressure. I want to improve and maybe join competitions someday.”
Another student, Ikenna Ude, said the visit gave him “a new reason to love school.”
“It’s amazing how a game can teach you about life. I’m going to practice every day now. Chess has become more than a game for me – it’s a mindset.”
A Growing Movement for Youth Empowerment
With momentum building from Queen’s School to FGC Enugu, the Enugu Chess Association’s initiative continues to gain recognition as an innovative model for education reform, youth engagement, and intellectual empowerment in Nigeria. The association’s next phase will focus on reinforcing performance and competition readiness, helping students apply their skills in real-game scenarios.
“We believe our children have their whole lives ahead of them, and the habits, discipline, and confidence they build through chess will shape them into responsible and successful individuals,” Dr. Onwumere reiterated. “This is our guiding principle – to always have faith in the potential of the young.”
As Enugu positions itself as a national model in integrating mind sports into formal education, the Chess Conclave continues to lead with purpose, vision, and strategic partnerships.
Next Stop: College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu
As part of its ongoing schedule, the Chess Conclave’s next outreach will take place at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu on Tuesday, July 8, with additional visits to other secondary schools set to follow in subsequent weeks. The Association says its goal is to build momentum and deepen the impact of chess education across the Enugu school system.
📰 Stay tuned to GMTNewsng.com for continued coverage on this transformative initiative in chess education and youth development.
