Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd (SEEPCO) in partnership with Chess in Slum Africa, has organised a ‘Chess Beyond Borders’ event for the children from slums, at Bon Voyage Hotel, Lagos.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that children from the marginalised part of the society have a shot at a sustainable future.
Speaking at the event which took place yesterday, the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, said the initiative would ultimately transform lives of the slum kids and may turn them into prodigies.
He said the event was designed to enhance the child’s strategic and critical thinking, as well as mathematical skills of children by cultivating a passion for the game amongst children.
The event gathered exceptional minds, future leaders, and chess stars from the slums. There were children from various backgrounds, cultures, and capabilities.
Mr. Tokunbo Fagun, Chairman, Lagos State Chess Association said, “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and chess helps to ignite a spark of curiosity and intellectual growth in children.’’
Fagun described Chess as the gymnasium of the mind. “It has no boundaries; it transcends language, age, and social status, unites and teaches us valuable life lessons, and creates lifelong friendships.”
He said with this initiative, SEEPCO hopes to and is committed to empowering slum children with expertise that will shape their future, and train them to defeat any challenge that lies ahead. SEEPCO embarks on a journey that goes beyond the 64 squares of a chessboard, breaking barriers and building bridges towards a more comprehensive and impartial world.
Chess in Slum, Africa believes every child deserves an equal opportunity in attaining better life and has adopted an innovative approach with the use of the game of chess to empower children from less privileged backgrounds to learn academic, educational and critical thinking skills that will help them secure a better tomorrow
Dignitaries like Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Tokunbo Fagun, Chairman, Lagos State Chess Association, Ms. Esther Hunkuten, Scholarship Manager, Chess in Slum, Africa, and Mr. Samuel Awobajo, Project Coordinator, Chess in Slum, Africa, graced the event.