The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has promised improved infrastructure and greater opportunities for chess players to excel at national and international levels.

The Governor was represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, at a chess tournament organised to commemorate his administration's seventh anniversary.

He called for increased scholarship opportunities for outstanding chess players, noting that the game promotes concentration, discipline, determination and intellectual development.

"We have made huge investment in sports sector and we will continue to make efforts to provide conducive environment for training of our athletes and competitions," he said.

"It is our hope that by next year, chess players in the state will have a dedicated hall for their activities."

AbdulRazaq described chess as a sport that requires a high level of mental capacity and strategic thinking.

The chess tournament was organised by his former Special Assistant on Students Matters, Mubarak Bello. The event featured the presentation of chess equipment to the association and attracted players, officials, sports administrators and other stakeholders.

Addressing the event, Bello commended stakeholders, officials and participants for contributing to the success of the competition organised to mark the seventh anniversary of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration.

Bello specifically appreciated the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, leaders of the Chess Association, arbiters, media personnel and chess enthusiasts for their support.

He acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders and supporters of the game, including a former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Fafuluyi Olayinka, for his support towards the success of the initiative.

Bello paid tribute to veteran chess player and administrator, Dr Rotimi Uthman, describing him as a chess genius and mentor whose contributions had continued to inspire younger players. He also lauded the arbitration team led by Adelayo Kosoko for ensuring a successful tournament.

"I have personally benefited from the governor's commitment to sports development through appointments and other opportunities," he added. "He has done remarkably well for Kwara State, and I felt it was important to show appreciation in my own little way."

"The governor's investments in sports infrastructure and facility upgrades have significantly contributed to the growth of sports in the state and demonstrated a clear commitment to making Kwara a hub for sports development."

Bello announced the donation of two chess boards to the Kwara State Sports Commission and the chess community, as part of efforts to promote the game in the state. He pledged to sustain the initiative and expressed optimism for the success of next year's edition.

The tournament attracted nearly 100 participants, including chess enthusiasts, players, and sports stakeholders from across the state. Malik Idris and Oyinkansola Akinyemi emerged champions in the male and female categories respectively.

Bello Mubarak and Adeniyin Favour finished second and third in the male category, while Sadiq Abidat Temitope and Al-Imam Kudirat Olamide secured second and third in the female category. Muhammad Olarewaju was recognised as the tournament's Best Junior Player.