The John Fawole Chess Awards 2024 was organised to recognise outstanding achievements in Nigeria’s chess community, bringing together distinguished guests and celebrated players.
This was disclosed by John Oyeyemi Fawole, founder of The John Fawole Chess Awards.
The event, held recently at Chevron Recreation Center Gbagada, to honour exceptional players, arbiters, and organizers who have contributed significantly to the sport’s growth.
The awards ceremony was attended by notable figures including Mr. Lekan Adeyemi, Vice President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), and Prince Adewole Adeyinka, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation.
Other esteemed guests included Arena Grandmaster Apemiye Austin, International Arbiter Amisu Omotayo, Mr. Dasaolu Rotimi and FIDE Arbiter Oyebanji Ademola.
“The John Fawole Chess Awards 2024 celebrates Nigeria’s chess excellence.
“We’re proud to recognize the dedication and passion of our players and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to promote chess in Nigeria,” John Oyeyemi Fawole, founder of The John Fawole Chess Awards, said.
The event highlighted Nigeria’s growing chess talent and the community’s commitment to developing the sport.
A total of 30 awards were presented, acknowledging outstanding performances in various categories and recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to chess development in Nigeria.
These include Man Player of the Year 2022: Adegboyega Adebayo, Woman Player of the Year 2022: Ogbiyoyo Perpetual, Man Player of the Year 2023: Bomo Kigigha and Woman Player of the Year 2023: Deborah Quickpen.
Others are Junior Player of the Year 2022 Boys: Callistus Denyefa Eyetonghan, Junior Player of the Year 2022 Girls:Onoja Iyefu Joy, Junior Player of the Year 2023 Boys: Olisa Tennyson and Junior Player of the Year 2023 Girls:Deborah Quickpen
Special recognition awards.were given to former president Ibrahim Babangida, Ecobank Nigeria, Dr. Chioma Jovita, Dr. Donald Onyekwere, Mr. Kunle Kasumu, Marizu Nwokoma, Asana Kennedy, Babatunde Ashilokun, Professor Clement Bewaji, Dr. Apollos Akomaka, Olabode Sofoluwe and Ivie Urieto.
The awards was made possible through the support FIJ Homes, Scholastic Talents USA, Bellyaid Foods, Toscalino Luxury Collection, FOD Real Estate Investment, Kidswalk Apparel and Hamgad Securities.
“The John Fawole Chess Awards 2024 demonstrates our commitment to promoting chess and recognizing excellence,” said Mrs. Aisha Jimoh Ibrahim, CEO of Kidswalk Apparel & Hamgad Securities.
As Nigeria’s chess community continues to grow, events like the John Fawole Chess Awards 2024 play a crucial role in inspiring and motivating players.
“The awards sets the stage for a brighter future for Nigerian chess,” said Prince Adewole Adeyinka.