NCF inducts former Chief of Naval Staff, Ayinla into `Hall of Fame'

Posted : 03 October 2023

The Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) on Monday honoured one of the pioneers of the game in Nigeria, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla rtd., in the federation's ''Hall of Fame''. The award ceremony held at the Orchids Hotel in Lekki is part of activities marking the 2023 Nigeria National Chess Championships.

Vice Admiral Ayinla was inducted alongside other chess greats such as Mr. Emmanuel Omuku, Mrs. Etokowo Ime, Mr. Obafunmilayo Agusto, Mr. Tajudeen Oyeneyin, and the founder of the Chess Federation in Nigeria, Dr. Sylvanus Ebigwe. Responding, Vice Admiral Ayinla GCON, rtd., a two-time former Minister of Health and Minister of Commerce, Trade, Commerce, and Tourism, described chess as his life.

''Chess is my life, and I still played chess before coming to the ceremony today. We started playing chess in a basement where there was no light. Chess is a passion and part of life. ''I left chess sometimes because my boss, the then Head of State, thought I was paying more attention to chess than my military assignments; otherwise, I couldn't have become a Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).

''I know of my colleague who spent eight years at the university instead of four. I also taught all my children chess, but my wife stopped them from playing because of me. ''The chess became much of me so much that my friend who was deceased visited me playing chess only to be told by his son that the man who visited me was dead three days ago,'' he said.

Vice Admiral Ayinla RTd said that playing chess had contributed much to his progress and endeavours in life and advised that chess should be made a compulsory subject in schools. ''Chess has been my life and has affected everything I do in life, so kudos to those that have chess clubs in their schools. ''Chess is math, science, and art all rolled together, and so what we learn in chess, no one can teach. The aspect of life chess introduced is much to be desired.

''Some of the successes in my career were due to the fact that I played chess; it shows in the way I used to plan my war games and other aspects of military life. ''I will recommend chess to all parents; in fact, chess should be taught in all schools, especially primary and secondary schools. "I will continue to give part of my life to chess sponsorships," he said.

The event also had in attendance the creme-de-la-creme of the chess family, including the former champions such as Mr. Fola Akintola, Arc Theophilus Caiafas, Mr. Rotimi Dasaolu, Mrs. Bunmi Olape, and Odion Aikhoje. The dignitaries at the event include the President of NCF, DIG Sani Usman rtd.; Vice President, Prince Adeyinka Adewole; Secretary, Mrs. Olabowale Alebiosu; and Technical Director, Mr. Bode Durotoye. 24 players will jostle for the championship to pick the national champions.

NCF inducts former Chief of Naval Staff, Ayinla into `Hall of Fame'

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