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The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to the development of chess and other emerging sports in the state, as he pledged improved infrastructure and greater opportunities for athletes to excel at national and international levels.
Coach Mogaji made this known today 31st of May 2026 during the Kwara State Chess Tournament organised by the Kwara State Chess Association to commemorate seven years of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration.
The tournament produced outstanding performances, with Malik Idris and Oyinkansola Akinyemi emerging champions in the male and female categories respectively. Bello Mubaraq and Adeniyin Favour finished second and third in the male category, while Sadiq Abidat Temitope and Al-Imam Kudirat Olamide secured second and third places in the female category. Mohammed Olarewaju was also recognised as the tournament’s Best Junior Player.
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, Coach Mogaji commended the organisers and sponsors for using sports as a platform to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the administration, particularly in youth empowerment and sports development.
He noted that Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration has continued to create an enabling environment for athletes across different sports to thrive, stressing that the Sports Commission remains committed to expanding opportunities for talents in the state.
Coach Mogaji assured members of the chess community that plans are underway to provide a befitting chess pavilion and increase support for players through sponsorship and participation in national competitions.
According to him, the commission’s vision is to ensure that every talented athlete in Kwara State has access to the facilities, exposure, and support required to reach their full potential.
The Executive Chairman further described chess as an intellectual sport capable of shaping young minds, promoting critical thinking, and creating pathways for excellence among the youth.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Mubaraq Bello said the competition was organised to appreciate Governor AbdulRazaq’s transformational leadership and unwavering support for sports development in the state over the last seven years.
Also speaking, Duro Toye lauded the initiative, describing the tournament as a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing young talents who will represent Kwara State in future competitions.
The tournament attracted nearly one hundred participants, including chess enthusiasts, players, and sports stakeholders from across the state, further highlighting the growing popularity of chess and the positive impact of the Kwara State Sports Commission’s developmental agenda under the leadership of Coach Bola Mogaji.
The event ended on a high note, with participants and stakeholders expressing optimism about the future of chess in Kwara State following the assurances and support provided by Coach Mogaji and the Sports Commission.
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