In a season when reputable individuals who can come to the fore and put to place their skills, experience and exposure to play in raising the bar of Chess in Edo State becomes a commodity, Akhiwu Eugene is the solution to the situation and the sustenance to any set policy, program or agenda.
Beyond being a man of wider exposure and understanding the game of Ches, both as a player, coach, and Administrators, Akhiwu Eugene is the kind of soul everyone who prays for progressiveness Edo Chess will want to be associate with.
Ehidiamhen Eugene AKHIWU is an International Chess Arbiter, an International Chess Organiser, a National/Developmental Chess Instructor, and has a Diploma in the Administration of a Chess Federation all of which were awarded by FIDE, the World Chess Federation.
He is also the Technical Director of the Edo State Chess Association (ESCA).
As a Chess Administrator, Ehidiamhen has been more recently involved with taking the Chess in Schools Program of the World Chess Federation FIDE to the nook and crannies of Edo State through his organization; the Chess Knights; a registered entity with Corporate Affairs Commission. He has also been collaborating with the Life and Chess Club run by Princess Omonyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi in inculcating the inherent advantages of learning and playing chess in the people of Edo State especially our children and adolescents.
In 2013, Collaborating with Life and Chess Club, the Benin Chess Tournament Also Known as Oba’s Cup was successfully organized which was the first FIDE rated chess tournament in Edo State and it is in its 5th Edition this year 2021. It is also important to note that the Chess Sequence which started in 2010 with the support of Ehidiamhen has been organized 22 times and the 23rd edition will be organized in September 2021.
The Ehidiamhem Childrens Day Classics also saw its maiden edition on the 27th of May, 2021. Testaments of these events can be found online.
His training, experience, qualifications and certifications cut across all the areas of chess play and administration.
The University of Lagos (Sociology) graduate is Intelligent, Resourceful, and Capable, possessing excellent oral and written communication skills, with a creative approach in engaging people. He’s an individual who is personally driven to succeed, he demonstrates the ability to lead and attain new levels of success in a highly competitive environment.
From 1983 till date, Mr Eugene has held as many roles as any Chess legend would have across the world. From being an Arbiter at the B & H International Chess Grand Prix, Lagos- 1983
IBB Chess masters International Grand Prix Abuja- 1983
World Chess Olympiad, Calvia, Spain- 2004
World Chess Olympiad, Istanbul, Turkey- 2012
A Deputy Chief Arbiter in competition across the continent from zonal championship, Afican Junior Championship, All African games to Individual games between late 90s, early 2000 and 2010.
What we will get from Eugene
Give priority to the development of the Chess masses, mainly youth, putting foremost the socio-educational virtues of the game.
Modify the rules and organisation of tournaments according to our priority of mass development
Make the management of the Nigerian Chess Federation exemplary, based on real democracy and transparency.
Increase the living standard of all Chess professionals, just to mention but a few what a man of deep understanding of the sport can offer if allowed to steer the paddle of Edo Chess canoe.
A man without goal will only get to position with nothing to offer; Eugene however is not a farmer who goes to farm without hoe. Here are highlights of his goal as an administrator
Establishing closer links amongst local Chess players in order to form regular Chess Clubs and increase tournament participation within State Chess Associations.
Develop closer links between these Chess players and the Nigeria Chess Community.
Provide Equipment and Technical Assistance to increase the level of regular Chess activity.
Foster a greater sense of Community Spirit amongst Chess players of all ages.
Identify talented Chess players and Organisers, and develop their skills for the future.
Though there’s been some wall talks about an alien to the game to want to make his way through the back doors, but without mincing words, a man like Akhiwu Eugene is all Edo State Chess Association need to a world power house.
