Dankema Yusuf Umar, the convener of a recently concluded chess tournament in Taraba State, has urged the state government to incorporate chess into the school curriculum.
Speaking at the event held in Jalingo, the state capital, Umar underscored the educational benefits of chess, drawing inspiration from countries where the game has been successfully integrated into school systems.
He highlighted that introducing chess into the curriculum would enhance students’ cognitive abilities while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Umar called on the government to adopt global trends by using chess as a tool for educational reform and to promote its growth across the state and country.
The Motivation Behind the Event
Discussing the selection criteria for the tournament participants, Umar expressed concern over the limited awareness and recognition of chess in Taraba. He announced plans to collaborate with the state government and private organisations to popularise the game further.
He said his motivation for organising the event stemmed from Tunde Onakoya’s recent achievements in chess. His success showcases the potential for global recognition and the inspiration it can provide to young talents in the state.
Participants at the tournament commended Umar for his initiative and praised his efforts to contribute to youth development. They called on other influential individuals in Taraba to follow his example by investing in sports and other impactful projects that can elevate the state’s profile.
Through the cultivation of strategic partnerships and a concerted effort to raise public awareness, the players conveyed their optimism that chess has the potential to evolve into a highly recognised and easily accessible sport across Taraba State. They emphasised that such initiatives would increase the game’s popularity and create an environment conducive to nurturing talent.
These efforts, they believe, would establish a strong foundation for developing future chess champions from the state. Moreover, they expressed hope that Taraba could eventually become a prominent centre for talent development in the chess community, gaining national and international recognition for its contributions to the sport.
