Chess Growth Academy Jalingo Inaugurates New Chess Club at Atoshi Hotel

 

By Henry Agbu 

     Chess Growth Academy in Jalingo has inaugurated a new chess club at Atoshi Hotel, marking another step in its mission to promote chess across the state. Speaking shortly after the event, Dankema Yusufu Umar , the Academy’s Programme Director, explained that the goal is to ensure every family is represented in each club. 

   He emphasized that chess—recognized as a unifying game that fosters critical thinking—offers an inclusive platform, prompting the academy to expand its reach across the state.

     Umar further noted that chess has a set of rules designed to promote discipline and concentration. "We require a quiet environment, and we strictly prohibit drugs and alcohol to ensure that the focus remains on the game," he said.

      He added that the club is dedicated to nurturing young talent, helping them unlock their potential.

     Highlighting the benefits of chess, Umar mentioned that the academy provides mentorship to less privileged players.

      He expressed his excitement over seeing young children participate in the game, including several Primary Three students. "Chess should be part of the school curriculum," he advocated, citing the game’s many advantages in developing critical thinking skills.

     Albert Abbo, the Operations Lead of Chess Growth Academy, also spoke at the event. He stated that chess instills important values and plays a key role in integrating young people from different backgrounds.

      Abbo pointed out that the game is affordable and can serve as an effective tool for taking young people off the streets, recalling the example of a Nigerian, Tunde, who began playing chess at a young age and now, based in New York, positively impacts the lives of many children.

   The academy, which is also deeply committed to the education of its players, has already received donations from various partners, bolstering its support for the club

      Among the enthusiastic participants were twins Jotham Henry Kasimu and Jayden Henry—both nine years old and in Primary Three—who remarked that chess not only sharpens critical thinking but also helps relax the mind.

     This initiative is yet another testament to Chess Growth Academy’s commitment to fostering a love for chess, building community, and empowering the youth through education and mentorship.