Chess: A Game of Strategic Thinking – Dankema
By Our Correspondent
The Director of Chess for Growth Academy, Umar Yusuf Dankema, has described chess as a game that fosters strategic thinking and mental development.
Dankema made this statement while welcoming athletes who represented Taraba State in the chess category at the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He noted that several chess clubs have been established in Jalingo and that efforts are underway to expand the initiative to more local government areas.
“We are committed to spreading chess across the state, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
According to him, the club has nurtured young talents capable of representing the state proudly.
He encouraged interested individuals to join, assuring that qualified coaches are available to train new players.
Dankema appreciated the support of the Gift of Chess organization for donating chess boards to the Jalingo Club.
He emphasized that the club’s mission is to have at least one chess player in every household.
Highlighting the growing popularity of the club, he mentioned that the club’s social media handles have garnered a significant following, stressing that the chess club maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for drug use.
He appealed for greater support from stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to help elevate the game of chess to greater heights in Taraba State.
Dankema proudly announced that for the first time, Taraba State was represented at the National Sports Festival in the chess competition, marking a significant milestone for the state.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Hon. Epemilo Kundila, Coordinator of Tecnobat Chess Club; Chief Ibrahim Jando Bongfen, District Head of Antere; and Idi Andrew Ivo.
