Dankwambo Chairs His Inaugural Chess Federation Board Meeting, Sets Vision for Grassroots and Institutional Growth

The newly elected President of the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Senator Ibrahim H. Dankwambo, PhD, OON (Talban Gombe), on Thursday, November 6, 2025, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Federation’s Board in Abuja.

The meeting is a significant step in repositioning chess development in Nigeria, as the board reviewed its 2025 programs with key focus areas including funding, capacity building, athlete welfare, and the expansion of chess into secondary and tertiary institutions nationwide.

In his remarks, Senator Dankwambo commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the sports sector through innovation, transparency, and inclusiveness. He noted that the Federation’s renewed vision aligns with the NSC’s broader agenda for sports development across the country.

The newly elected Federation President underscored the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in advancing chess in Nigeria, stating that the NCF would focus on “Strengthening the Future of Chess in Nigeria through Funding, Capacity Building, and Strategic Partnerships aimed at Grassroots and Institutional Development.”

The board also expressed its commitment to work closely with the National Sports Commission to raise the standard of chess nationwide and to ensure Nigerian players compete effectively at continental and global levels.

Furthermore, Senator Dankwambo called on corporate bodies and private sector stakeholders to partner with the Federation as sponsors and supporters to realize its objectives and promote the intellectual sport among the nation’s youth.