Metro
World Chess Day: NOMA Celebrates EcoBank for Transformational Strides in Education Sector
As the World celebrates World Chess Day 2025, the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA) has commended EcoBank Nigeria for its outstanding contribution to education and youth development through its sustained investment in chess as a cognitive empowerment tool.
NOMA’s recognition comes in the wake of the highly successful EcoBank National School Team Chess Championship, which paraded over 2,000 students from more than 500 schools across Nigeria.
In her commendation, Chairperson of NOMA, Theresa Moses, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Oluwamuyiwa Oyedele said, “EcoBank is setting a powerful example of how the private sector can transform education and empower our youth through smart, skill-based initiatives like chess.
“We urge other stakeholders to recognize the potential of such platforms in building a stronger, smarter generation.”
The championship, held from June 26 to 28, 2025, at the EcoBank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, featured teams from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, making it one of the most inclusive and impactful educational competitions of the year.
“As a truly pan-African bank, we are proud to again partner with the Chess Federation for this important championship,” said Adebukola Ademuyi, Head of Education Field and Social Services at EcoBank stated. This partnership supports our broader human capital development goals and aligns with our CSR strategy to empower young Nigerians intellectually and economically.”
Mr. Austin Osokpor, Head of Corporate Communications at EcoBank Nigeria, also emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative:
“We are proud to support this event, which plays a vital role in developing young talent in Nigeria. Chess is a silent teacher of strategy, patience, and resilience—all qualities we want to see in the future of this country. This tournament is a legacy project that will leave a lasting impact on education.”
The Nigeria Chess Federation, in collaboration with EcoBank and other stakeholders, created a platform for young players to showcase their talents, build strategic thinking skills, and foster unity across schools nationwide. The tournament also promotes social inclusion and indirectly creates jobs by encouraging the training and employment of chess instructors in schools.
As part of its commitment to education-focused advocacy, NOMA used the occasion of World Chess Day—celebrated every July 20th globally—to call on other corporate organizations to emulate EcoBank’s model of sustainable and purposeful investment in education.
However, NOMA reaffirms its commitment to promoting youth-centered development and celebrating partnerships that drive positive change.
World Chess Day, designated by the United Nations in 2019, marks the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 and celebrates chess as a universal language that promotes peace, education, and global unity.
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
