The ancient city of Jalingo, the seat of Muri Emirate Council and the Taraba State Capital, witnessed a groundbreaking event as chess enthusiasts gathered for a competition that marked a new era in the state's sporting landscape. The event was a resounding success, with participants showcasing their skills and strategizing their way to victory. At the heart of this competition was a presentation of chess boards to the Taraba State Sports Council, symbolizing the official recognition of chess as a sport in the state.
Prof. Antonio Jang, a renowned advocate for youth development, emphasized the significance of grooming young talent in the state. He urged officials to focus on nurturing the skills of young chess players, who will go on to represent the state and the country in international competitions. Prof. Jang also encouraged the youth to participate in sporting activities, highlighting the numerous benefits that come with being involved in sports.
Director of Sports at the Taraba State ministry of Youth Na Sports, George Haruna Shita expressed his satisfaction with the officiating procedures of the chess competition, praising their efforts in promoting the sport in the state. He acknowledged the immense talent that Taraba State possesses, emphasizing that this talent can be harnessed to boost the state's revenue. Shita promised to communicate this vital information to the the Taraba State Government and other relevant stakeholders, briefing them in on the development of chess activities in the state. Describing Governor Agbu Kefas as a passionate leader who has the state's best interests at heart, the Sport Director express optimism that sport has come into the state to stay. Similarly, the Director of Sports pledged his unwavering support for the inclusion of chess in future tournaments in the state, recognizing the potential of the sport to bring people together.
Ephraimu Bulus Jimkam, a two-time badminton champion, echoed this sentiment, stressing that sports have the power to unify people across different backgrounds. Jimkam urged the officials to put in more effort to promote chess, emphasizing the need for equipment and government investment in the sport.
On his path, Dankeman Yusuf Umar, highlighted the significance of the competition, stating that it was the first of its kind in the state. He emphasized that the aim of the competition was to bring out the best in the youth, describing them as assets to the state and the country at large. Umar called on the state government to include chess in secondary school extracurricular activities, recognizing the potential of the sport to positively impact the youth. The competition was met with enthusiasm from the players, who expressed their determination to win.
Chief Gabriel Olayinka who is the Founder and CEO of Taraba Business Group lauded the organizers of the competition, predicting that the initiative would have a positive impact on the youth and promote remarkable development in the state. Denis Yasso expressed his delight at the competition, charging the youth to take chess more seriously, as it has the potential to reshape their thinking positively.
At the end of the competition, three winners emerged, each receiving a certificate and prizes. The winners are Mark Stephen Sunama, Theophilus Ben Bala, and Musa Mainassara Yusuf. They expressed their gratitude to the officials who worked tirelessly to make the competition a success.
The inclusion of chess in Taraba State's sporting landscape marks a significant milestone in the state's development. As noted by chess enthusiast and researcher, the sport has numerous benefits, including improving cognitive skills, promoting critical thinking, and enhancing problem-solving abilities ¹. The recognition of chess as a sport in Taraba State is a testament to the state's commitment to promoting youth development and providing opportunities for young people to excel.
Taraba State's rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups make it an ideal location for promoting chess and other sports. With its stunning natural beauty, including the Mambilla Plateau and the Benue River, Taraba State has the potential to become a hub for sports tourism in Nigeria.
The chess competition in Jalingo, Taraba State, marks a new era in the state's sporting landscape. As the state continues to promote chess and other sports, it is likely that we will see a surge in youth participation and a corresponding increase in the state's reputation as a hub for sports development. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Taraba State is poised to become a leading destination for sports enthusiasts in Nigeria.
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