Chess has always been a spectator game; it took a grand Exhibition to demonstrate that in Lagos Nigeria on the 11th of June. The exhibition match between the Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, and Nigerian Woman National Champion, WCM Deborah Quickpen was a spectacle, the first time the game of chess commanded huge attention from none professional players in Nigeria was during the 60 hours Chess Marathon by Tunde Onakoya, and once again, we witnessed a large gathering of support from business tycoons such as Aare Dele Momodu, executives of various organizations such as Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Dr Bisi Onasanya, Mr Urem Eke, Otunba Osunsina, Mr Enitan Oshodi, Mr Ambrose Ovbiebo, DG Sports Commission Lekan Fatodu, Mr Kolade Ojo-Osagie, Mr Kanmi Osobu, Mr Amine Guisene, Ruth Obi, Love Uruh , Amaka Obi and among many others distinguished personalities to cheer for Deborah Quickpen and Tunde Onakoya as they played.
Daniels Ford International, a UK-based real estate company, hosted the event, which served as a platform to officially announce their partnership with WCM Deborah Quickpen as their brand ambassador. The event also aimed to raise awareness and support for Chess In Slum Africa.
In his welcome remark, The Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole acknowledged the presence of the dignitaries and appreciated Daniel Fords for their good support towards the growth of chess particularly how the beautiful exhibition contributes to the missions and visions of the Nigeria Chess Federation.
With Deborah Quickpen’s talent and dedication, she is poised to become a global chess superstar, inspiring a new generation of players. The future of chess in Nigeria looks bright, and this event will be remembered as a pivotal moment in its development.
