Nigerian breweries PLC (NBL) Chess tournament 2012-Nigerian Chess Federation and the BEER PALOUR Arrangement !!

    The date for The 35th Nigerian Breweries Plc International Chess open championship has been fixed for 1st - 8th July, 2012. However many players remain unsatisfied with the tournaments conditions which according to them is not up to the minimum standard required of such competition, many chess players has also suggested an organized boycott of the tournament to send a strong signal to the NCF (Nigeria Chess Federation) that chess players will not settle for less than a well organized tournament in a conducive environment and a fore knowledge of certain information like a break down of the prize money, the rules especially those affecting tie break (among other vital information usually provided prior to the commencement of tournament of same caliber around the world) apart from the foregoing the Tournament is also not FIDE (world Chess governing body) rated in spite of the fact that NCF is an affiliate of FIDE . many chess players has condemned the inefficient way in which Chess is been run in the country  notable among the very passionate voices are FM Adebayo Adegboyega and International master Odion Aihkoje both top players have raised valid points concerning the state of the game in the country. This wont be the first time that the issue of a mass boycott of the tournament has been raised as reflected by an article by naijahood on October 7 2011 titled  Nigerian breweries PLC (NBL) Chess tournament 2011, what is the way forward for Nigerian chess?!  .

  The 35th edition of the NBL PLC 2012 is coming up in July and it is obvious that nothing has been done at all to correct all the lapses pointed out by the players last year and well documented issues raised by the " CHESS PLAYERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA- CPAN ("About to" but yet to be a registered body of Chess players)  CPAN through  CM Charles Campbell released the position of the body on its Official group page recently stating its position as follows "

MATTERS ARISING:CPAN'S POSITION. It has become necessary for the CPAN interim ex-co to clarify some issues. 1. NBL saga. We believe an organized boycott would be counterproductive as the major losers would be NBL, a loyal sponsor. However, we must not fail to point out our dissatisfaction with the way this event has been managed by the NCF over the years despite our documented complaints. For now, any boycott should be personal. I boycotted last year and made my point. 2. Our major priority now is the formal registration of CPAN with the CAC and we are glad to announce that your dues have moved us towards the realization of this cardinal objective. By NBL, God willing, CPAN  should be registered. 3. We are irrevocably committed towards our aims and objectives as stated here. We also respect the person and office of the NCF president and consider him to be a partner in progress. We make bold to state that his tenure is a far departure from what we've had in the past. Let's accord him the respect he deserves and refrain from making unguarded, frivolous and downright insulting comments on this forum. It will not be tolerated henceforth. 4. We hope to conduct general elections during NBL and offer an account of our stewardship so far.The problems we face are a reflection of the Nigerian problem. A situation where the NCF secretary (a ministry staff who more often than not knows next to nothing about chess) is all powerful will never augur well for us. We need to close ranks, strengthen our body and offer added value to the chess player. The national FOC (friends of chess tournament) was Just a tip of the iceberg. Together we can do even more. and in answering some thought provoking question from a member Mr Ogunsiku Babatunde stated further 1. As presently constituted the sec has more powers than the president. She is the link between the ministry's insider and reports to the minister/directors. 2. The players who wear the shoe knows where it pinches hence the formation of CPAN. We hope to liaise with the NCF and also show how things should be done. 3. We will not keep quiet over these as in the past. We intend to seek audience with the sec and remind her of our concerns which will once more be articulated in writing by next week. 4. CPAN as a legal entity, fully registered with the CAC (Corporate affairs commission) can communicate these grievances to the organizers if the NCF does not conform to international standards. We achieve more as a recognizable body and not some faceless, disgruntled group.

   The option of a mass Boycott does not seem to be the best at the moment because though it might have some desired  effect on Nigerian chess federation but the worst hit might be the Nigerian Breweries a loyal sponsor of 35 years and counting, a mass boycott might be counter productive in the long run as a bad publicity for chess and in the long run scare would be sponsors from the game, once we as players can get better alternatives and act proactively as suggested in the article titled Nigerian breweries PLC (NBL) Chess tournament 2011, what is the way forward for Nigerian chess?!
Once we can get sponsors for chess events in Nigeria with better playing conditions and respect for the players/participants , i think we need not worry about NCF , they will probably sit up or pack up.  The inefficiency we see at NCF is a microcosm of the problem we have in a failing Nigerian society in general which is not limited to the chess federation alone   but some how and hopefully soon the positive change that all Nigerian chess players want will materialize.Chess will be become more popular with a very good population of participants and fans will attract more corporate sponsors for bigger and well organized tournaments with great value for both sponsors and participants. SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED PLEASE DROP YOUR COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS BELOW. Thank you.     Edited by Grand Mallam AKINOV