The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Bayelsa State, Champion Daniel Igali has applauded the victorious Chess team for making the State proud at the just concluded National Chess Championship in Lekki, Lagos State.
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The tournament which started 2nd to the 9th of October, 2023 saw 11-year-old Africa Chess prodigy Deborah Quickpen emerge champion after amassing 9.5 points to become the youngest chess champion in Nigeria overtaking Oluwatobi Olatunji (now Oloruntola), who won it at age of thirteen (13), as both players will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Championships in Egypt.
Similarly, Abner Quickpen came tops while Treasure Ebiakpo settled for second place in the U-16 category and Oyins Bayefa 3rd in the U-10 category.
In the same vein, Bomo Kigigha emerged winner for the 4th time. Kigigha came first in the men’s category ahead of Abiola Akinseye while another Bayelsan, Eyenghe Sunny claimed the title of champion in the Master’s category that had seven players including two International Masters, IM Aikhoje Odion, Lapite Opeoluwa, IM Okeke Isaac Chukwudalu, Koko Obele, Okonkwo Walter, Igolukumo Felix to lift the trophy.
Upon their arrival to Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital, an elated Champ. Daniel Igali commended the team for once again showing the world what Bayelsa State can do through sports.
Hon. Igali noted that the victory is a testament to the unquantifiable investment the Prosperity Government led by Governor Diri has made in sports.
The world and Olympic champion eulogises the passion and deliberate effort of Governor Diri and his deputy Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to see that youths in the State are meaningfully engaged through sports.
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Champion Igali stressed that due to the achievements of the Prosperity Government in less than four years, Bayelsa State is now known as the home of sports across the country and beyond.
Champion Daniel Igali therefore calls on the good people of the state to continue to render their support and prayers to the Prosperity Government led by Governor Diri so that the state would continue to be a shining light as our athlete ambassadors and support staff continually win laurels at home and abroad.
