Kogi Checkmates North Central Opponents, Wins 3 Gold at 2026 Chess Festival Ichado

Ichado Michael, Jeminiwa Bernice, Muhammad Aisha Shine in Abuja as Ododo Administration Gets Fresh Sporting Boost

By James Sani

Kogi State has once again announced its growing strength in youth sports development, emerging with three gold medals at the just-concluded 2026 North Central Chess Festival in Abuja.

The outstanding feat came through Ichado Michael, Jeminiwa Bernice and Muhammad Aisha, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination to win gold in their respective categories and place Kogi firmly among the standout performers at the regional chess competition.

The performance has been hailed by the Kogi State Government as another evidence of the state’s growing investment in sporting talent and youth development.

Reacting to the achievement, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, attributed the success to the commitment of the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to creating an enabling environment for young athletes to discover and develop their talents.

According to the Commissioner, the impressive outing by the Kogi chess team demonstrates what can be achieved when young talents receive the right encouragement, preparation and institutional support.

He commended Governor Ododo for what he described as his quality leadership and sustained support for sports and youth development, stressing that the Ministry would continue to work towards producing more athletes capable of putting Kogi State on the national and international sporting map.

«“This achievement is another indication that the investment and attention being given to sports and youth development by the present administration are yielding results,” the Commissioner said.»

Anyebe congratulated the three gold medalists for their outstanding performance, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to continuous improvement.

He assured the athletes that the Kogi State Government would continue to support and encourage them as they pursue their sporting careers.

The Commissioner also reserved special commendation for the team’s coach, Innocent Ichado, for his dedication and commitment to nurturing chess talents in the state.

He urged the coach to sustain the tempo and continue identifying and developing young players capable of representing Kogi State successfully at national and international competitions.

COACH: WE WILL DO MORE

Speaking on the team’s success, Chess Coach Innocent Ichado expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Commissioner Aridaojo Monday Anyebe for their support and encouragement to the chess team.

Ichado said the medals would further motivate the players and coaching team to work harder and target even greater achievements in future competitions.

He assured that the team would remain committed to rigorous preparation and continue striving to make Kogi State proud.

The three gold medals won in Abuja have further highlighted the depth of emerging chess talent in Kogi State and provided fresh evidence of the potential of young athletes when given the opportunity and support to compete.

For Kogi, the message from Abuja is clear: the state’s young sporting talents are not merely participating—they are increasingly competing to win.