JOIN THE GREAT NIGERIAN BBM RECRUITMENT CONTEST

BBM USERS IN NIGERIA:
BBM is awarding 1,000 prizes of NGN 10,000 each in prepaid airtime credit to those who recruit the most new BBM users.

WINNING IS EASY. HERE’S WHAT TO DO:
Begin recruiting new BBM users right away! Make sure you add them to your BBM contact list so we can count them.
Each new recruit must be new to BBM, have a minimum of 10 contacts by the end of the contest and send messages regularly.
The 1,000 people who recruit the most new BBM users will receive NGN 10,000 prepaid airtime value deposited to their prepaid airtime account.
Contest runs between January 30th and April 30th, 2015. You must already be a BBM user on January 30th to qualify to win.
THE GREAT NIGERIAN BBM RECRUITMENT CONTEST
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FIDE Online Chess arena and the poor internet Challenges for African Countries

 

The World governing body for Chess, FIDE has introduced an online platform why Chess players can play and get FIDE Online rating and enjoy the Royal game with People around the world and for those with a  Profile page on the FIDE official website, their Online rating is reflected on their profile, there are other incentives too like getting the AGM  Arena Grand Master Title, AIm Arena International Master title and ACM Arena candidate Master title. Full membership is 25 Euros per year , but there is a Promo at the moment that allows new members with Official FIDE ID get full membership till May 31st 2015. Two  Members of FIDE online Arena could also play at the FIDE World cup by qualifying directly from the FIDE ONLINE ARENA. FIDE will announce the modalities for this very soon.
 The challenges players from Nigeria and some other African countries are facing is lack of very fast /good internet network, this can result in losing many games online to weaker players with faster internet from other countries.
  Cheating is also controlled by special Technology that could detected if a player is using a Chess Engine /computer  assistance. The system also assess the reliability of all members of the 'club' please if you have a FIDE identification Number take advantage of the Promotion and get a free membership till 31st of May , enjoy good games online and have your Online rating reflected on your FIDE profile on FIDE website  you can also acquire the Arena titles.  For more information on the FIDE ONLINE ARENA CLICK  HERE  !! Good luck
   

Calendar of Chess events for year 2015 by Nigerian Chess federation.

The Nigeria Chess Federation Calendar of activities for 2015 has been released  and Chess Players and enthusiast have a lot of tournaments to look forward to in a year that will be filled with Chess events/Championships. Here is a breakdown of the event in the NCF Chess calendar.

 1st National University Chess Championship - Hosted by Achiever University, Owo 

Ondo State 25 th-29th March.

National Sports Festival( NSF )  Chess Event ( FIDE -rated) . Barring any last-minute changes by the National Sports Commission ( NSC ) , the event will holding Calabar in April.

National Friends of Chess (NFOC)   April

Malogy Chess Championship            April

C 4 National Chess Championship  Gbagada, Lagos    May

 South West Zonal Championships     Ibadan, Oyo state     - May

National U-14 Chess Championship   - 14th - 16th May 

 Millionaire Chess Satellite Championship - Abuja, FCT Nigeria 3rd -7th of June

 South -South Zonal Chess Championship - Benin City Edo State.10th - 28th June

 Pro -Chess Quarterly  Championship  Ibadan Oyo State -24th - 28th  June

 National Chess League (By all registered clubs ) - Liberty Stadium in Ibadan ,1st - 5th of July

 National Inter - collegiate Team Chess Championship   National Stadium Lagos from 15th -19th July

Northern States ’ Chess Championships.  Kaduna   22nd - 25th July

National Schools Chess Championship      August

 Tunde Omotosho Memorial Rapid Chess Championship   - August

National U-20 Chess Championship -     August

Chess Height Classics  - August 

The Blind Chess Championship (for impaired chess players)Lagos from 10th-12th  September 

National Women Championship  Ibadan, Oyo state 17 th-20 th September 

Pro -Chess quarterly   Ibadan, Oyo State  September 

Victoria Ossai Memorial Rapid Chess Championship in Warri , Delta State. 1st of October 

38th Edition of Nigerian Breweries Plc International Chess Championship  (Lagos) 14th-18th October

3rd Lagos Chess Classic  21st -25th.(Lagos) October

Second edition  NCF President ’ s Cup  Benin, Edo state  November

 Nigerian University Games NUGA Games in Markudi    November

 Ashtonwells Chess Championship in Abraka,                November

Third Benin Chess Championship ( Oba ’ s Cup)  Benin city Edo State .December 

National Closed Championship in Ibadan  8 th-13 th of December ,

MTN Festac Festival Chess championship  

  Chess Gladiators Championship 

Valentine's day on Election day 2015 in Nigeria (as it were) LOL

Whoever first came up with the idea of February 14th for national elections in Nigeria is a freaking genius.
It covers all bases for one half of the population and in a certain manner, for the other. If elections hold, the movement restrictions and other logistical issues make the traditional Valentine frolicking well nigh impossible. If elections are cancelled, the necessary protest will make Valentine Day activities infeasible. When the postponed elections are annulled, February 14th becomes a day of protest for the next 150 years and therefore unavailable for lovey-dovey things.
Whichever way, the dangerous likelihood of your wife meeting your girlfriend is reduced and all is happy in the hood. Time to retrieve the ukulele, I think

** Borrowed from Dr Femi (FB)

Paul Okoye Of P_square engages Don Jazzy in a chess game On Set Of Collabo Video

Paul Okoye Of P Square  playing a Chess game with Don Jazzy on set of a Collabo video, The Gentle men looks nice handling the kings game but OOPS !!  The board was not well arranged, The Light/White square is always on the right side in a chess game, and  the Bishops and the knights are also placed on the wrong squares. and lastly (oh my God this is unforgivable Don Jazzy has got a Pawn  doubled already before the start of the game(his left hand side)  Haba! Obviously the chess set was just for the pose but then perhaps a Pro like Akinov would have pointed out the flaw. Of course this is not the first time this sort of mistake will be made when Chess sets are on display... it has occurred several times  First class Holly wood Movies . Anyway in spite of the 'small flaw' only noticeable to pro chess players like Akinov.... It was nice seeing these Gentlemen/Celebs  displaying the Kings game.... an Icon of intelligence and strategy on set. Nice one !1

Photo of the Day (Joke)

 Okay now ! Master Mufutau  Son of the village headmaster is having his birthday celebration  today .... come celebrate with him LOL**

Special Interview with African Chess Confederation President Mr. Lewis Ncube

Interview  conducted by Akinov blog by correspondence

Lewis Ncube during the official opening of the African Individual Chess Championships

Question: Here is a big one , we all know you sir , as the African Chess Confederation President that is the number one chess figure in Africa but we would like to know a bit more about you sir

Answer: I was born in the Zambian capital Lusaka on February 22, 1958. I come from a large family of eight girls and two boys. We lost our first born sister in 1997 and I now have one brother and seven sisters.

I did my initial primary school education at Kamwala L.E.A. School is Lusaka before proceeding to Kaonga Primary School in Mazabuka in the Southern Province of Zambia.
After completing my primary education at Kaonga, I proceeded to Hillcrest Secondary Technical School in the Zambian tourist capital, Livingstone.
It was at Hillcrest where I learnt how to play chess and won various regional and national titles.
Whilst at Hillcrest I represented the country in the school national team against a Malawian schools national team.

At the time we started playing school chess Zambia was not yet a member of the World Chess Federation, FIDE. Zambia joined the FIDE family in 1975.After completing my secondary school education and doing military training as part of my national service, I proceeded to the United Kingdom for my A-levels on an academic scholarship obtained under a mining industry education sponsorship scheme.

I did my “A” Level education at Gloucester City College of Technology in the West Midlands county of Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom from 1977 to 1979.
After successfully completing my “A” Level studies I proceeded to the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology to study for my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.During my Chemical Engineering Degree studies I chose electives that skewed my qualification towards specialisation in Petroleum Production and Mineral Processing.
I have been privileged to have worked in industry entities covering both areas of my specialization.
I also hold Post Graduate qualifications in petroleum fuels, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas systems.

During my studies in the United Kingdom I occasionally took part in weekend chess tournaments some of which were part of the Benedictine Circuit.However due to the nature of the Chemical Engineering course, I had to give priority to my studies and did not play as much chess as I would have loved.Upon my return to Zambia in 1983 I worked for the Mining Industry under the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines in the Copperbelt town of Chingola as a Process Engineer before embarking on a career in the Petroleum Sector.

I started off as a Lubricants Engineer before rising to the position of Marketing and Distribution Manager of the Zambian subsidiary of the Italian ENI group, Agip Zambia Limited.
I currently run an energy and commodity trading partnership and also work as an energy consultant.

In a brief this is who I am!

Question: Since your Election in August 2014 what were the immediate Challenges that came your way as President of African Chess Confederation consisting of all member federations?

Answer: The African Continental elections that ushered my team into office were the most divisive I have ever witnessed since my entry into chess administration.The immediate challenge my team faced was to try and heal the rifts that occurred in Tromso and the lead up to the elections.
As we complete the sixth month of our term in office, some of the rifts are still there and will take time to heal.

On our part, my team and I have endeavored to ensure that every African Federation is allowed to participate in activities of the African Chess Confederation irrespective of their political views or affiliation.We as the Board of the African Chess Confederation have been entrusted with the responsibility of running the Continent’s chess affairs on behalf of ALL the stakeholders.

Some Federation officials have sought to continue the Tromso battles as we try to take Africa forward and this has obviously deepened the challenges. However, I can assure you that we are up to the task and we will take every opportunity to ensure that no players or officials seeking to play an active part in the development of African chess are unduly victimized.

Question: What is the current number of member federations under The African Chess Confederation?

Answer: Of the 54 African nations that are members of the United Nations, 43 are members of the African Chess Confederation and in turn the World Chess Federation, FIDE.We are working towards getting ALL the 54 African nations to be members of the African Chess Confederation within our first term of office.This is a massive challenge as some targeted countries are situated in areas involved in various conflicts.


Question: How have you been able to so far bring all members together to work towards your campaign theme of “Building Chess for Africa” bearing in mind the difference opinion, allegiance and political differences?

Answer: Despite the differences that arose in the run up to the Tromso elections, I have known most of the federation members for a long time. I am also aware that a lot of the federation representatives are responsible enough to realize that the sport of chess is much bigger than each and any of us. In this regard I am convinced that despite the differences of opinion the majority of our colleagues will put their national chess interests above any political consideration.

In order to effectively manage the affairs of chess on the Continent, the ACC Board has created the following Continental commissions; Women's Commission, Events and Publicity Commission, Chess in Schools Commission, Technical Commission, Development Commission and the Social Projects and Disabled Commission.

These Commissions will act as advisory bodies to the ACC Board and their membership composition has been balanced to ensure that contributions are taken from across the entire chess fraternity on the African continent.

Question: In your election Campaign one of the vision components you emphasized is the introduction of structured chess in schools programmes in both primary and secondary educational institutions. How do you intend to carry this plan out in Africa under this dispensation within the next four years?

Answer: The drive to introduce structured chess in schools programmes is a major long term vision of our team.

At the moment quite a few African countries have chess as an optional sporting activity in the form of school chess clubs. This is a commendable achievement for those countries where this option is available.

In order to fully harness the benefits of chess as an education tool, the incorporation of chess in the school curriculum will provide for a meaningful approach which will give chess a double edged penetration strategy as we seek to have our royal game as one of the foremost sporting activities of our time.As ACC we have already had discussions with Ministry of Education officials from six countries which are prepared to explore the possibility of embedding chess as part of their education curriculum.We have also had preliminary discussions with Grandmaster Smbat Lputian and his colleagues at the Chess Academy of Armenia on preparing the necessary resource material suitably adapted for Africa.

All the necessary materials should be ready by the end of this year and Africa will host a Chess in Schools Conference towards the end of the year.Additionally we have also had preliminary discussions with the Education Division of the Department of Human Resources, Science and Technology at the African Union and are in the process of preparing a concept paper as we seek wider support for our initiatives.

Ultimately we seek to make chess a fundamental part of our Continent’s education system.

Question: Within a short period after you became the ACC president , a number chess events took place across Africa , the Zonals and most especially the African Individual Chess Championship 2014 which was arguably the most competitive in recent years , what should we be expecting in year 2015?

Answer: In 2015 the ACC board has set out a significant increase in tournament activity and capacity building initiatives.

The African Individual Championships are now an annual event and with the recent amendment to the regulations, this means that there is an opportunity for an “over the board” Grandmaster title to be awarded every year.The 2015 African Individual Championships will also be a qualifying event for the 2015 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. The top two players in the Open Section will qualify for the 2015 World Cup.

The 2015 Zonal Individual Championships will also be qualifying events for the 2015 World Cup where winners of the Open Sections will provide the additional four qualifiers championships to make up the total SIX African representatives at the 2015 World Cup.The first African Schools Championships and the first African Amateur Championships will also take place in 2015 in Tanzania and Mozambique respectively.

The ACC Board has also introduced the first Zonal Youth Under 16 Team Championships whose winners will receive travel grants to the 2015 World Youth Under 16 Olympiad.The dates for these Zonal Youth Under 16 Team Championships are currently being finalized and these events will be added to the ACC calendar in the coming week.The African Youth and African Junior Championships will continue to be an integral part of the
ACC tournament calendar.

The ACC Board is also finalizing arrangements for the first African Senior Championships to be arranged in 2015. This will also be an annual event from where the top three placed players will have personal rights to participate in the following year’s World Senior Championships.
All in all I believe that both our tournament and capacity building calendars will provide our African federations with increased opportunities for chess development.

Our approach to managing all these events will be dynamic and we are open to further suggestions from our ACC member federations.

Question: The Next African Individuals is scheduled to held in Egypt between the 1st and 13th Day of May 2015 as Daaim Shabazz of Chess Drum Blog rightly pointed out, the 2013 African Individual chess Championship held in Tunisia had a stronger field comprising three Grand Masters. The 2015 no doubt might even be stronger considering the Host federation’s pedigree. Could you please clarify the rules as regards the award of the Grand Master title?

Answer: As you have pointed out, the hosting Federation’s pedigree will no doubt make for a stronger field in the 2015 African Individual.This will also be in addition to the ease of travel for other strong players from the other countries within the North African region.
The added incentive of this event being a qualifier for the 2015 World Cup in Baku will provide the added spice.Once again, the winner in the Open Section will be automatically awarded the Grandmaster title if they do not have it yet whilst the winner in the Women’s Section will similarly be awarded the Woman Grandmaster title.

Question: Could you please tell us about the inaugural 2015-2016 African Chess Confederation Grand Prix Circuit?

Answer ;The 2015-2016 African Chess Confederation Grand Prix Circuit will comprise the four 2014 Zonal Champions and the top three placed players in the 2014 African Individual Championships.

Each of the six host cities will nominate one player in each section and the ACC President will nominate three payers in each section.This will bring a total of 16 players in each section.
Each of the players will be required to take part in four of the six legs of the circuit with the winner in the Open Section qualifying for the 2017 World Cup in Tbilisi.The winner in the Women’s Section will qualify for the 2017 Women’s World Championships.

Full details and regulations will be released by the end of February 2015.

Question: With the African individuals 2015 coming so soon after the 2014 edition under the new format and scheduling, will the African Grand prix involve the winners of the 2015 edition of the African Individuals as well?

Answer: As the winners of the 2015 African Individuals will qualify for the 2015 World Cup, they will not be involved in the 2015-2016 ACC Grand Prix Circuit.

The ACC Board however aims to harmonise the Grand Prix Circuit and the African Individuals after evaluating and assessing both these events at the end of 2016.

Question: In 2014 Zone 4.4 made up of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone and Togo was held in Cameroun and was the only major event that could be described as a flop as most of the Federations were not represented, what are we expecting from the Next zone 4.4 tournament Scheduled to take place in Togo in March 2015?

Answer: It depends on what you designate as a “flop”. Taking into account the organization, prize fund and the hosting venue I believe that the tournament was a reasonable success. The fact that most of the Federation in the zone did not pitch up does not detract from the success of the event.

The fact that notification and hosting arrangements were well handled means that the real winners are those that made it to the event.The award of the International Master title to Francis Anquandah vindicates his decision to participate in the event and is an honour to the chess fraternity in Ghana.

The ACC and its hosting partners will eandevour to create the necessary conditions and atmosphere for high level competition. The choice of participation is really up to the individual federations and players. As for the 2015 Zone 4.4 Individual Championships I believe that the fact that this is a qualifying event for the 2015 World Cup should increase the participation level.

Questions: Chess Players are looking forward to playing Chess at the ALL AFRICAN GAMES 2015 but in view of the fact that the host Nation does not have a Chess team, what are the Chances that Chess will be included at the event??

Answer: The ACC Board is in advanced discussions with the hosts regarding the format of the chess sport code at the 2015 All African Games to be held in Congo Brazzaville.
Indications are that the games will feature chess in a format to be agreed upon in the coming weeks.
We will be in a position to clearly state how chess will be featured in the next fortnight.


Question: What other African events and chess activities should we be expecting in 2015?

Answer: As previously indicated, the new events will be the Continental Youth Under 16 Team Championships, the Continental Individual Schools Championships and the Continental Amateur Championships. These new events are confirmed and hosting Federations are already working towards giving Africa the required organizational FIDE standards.We are yet to confirm the hosts for the Continental Seniors Championships.

The flagship youth events in the form of the African Youth Championships and the African Junior Championships are also well catered for with Zambia and Seychelles respectively hosting.

Question: You are going to be in office for the next four years. What programs do you have to ensure that African chess players achieve and maintain world-class standard and consistent performance?

Answer: In addition to the indicated tournaments and the Grand Prix Circuit, the ACC Board is working on a sponsored partnership agreement with the European Chess Union where promising players will have opportunities to play on the European Circuit for continuous periods ranging from three months to nine months depending on their needs and performance.The selection of the players to be awarded with these opportunities will be done in conjunction with the Zonal and Federation Presidents.

Additionally, the Board is also lobbying for an increase in the number of places reserved for the African continent in both the World Cup and the Women’s World Championships.
Continuously being represented at global events and increasing the number of high level tournaments on the African Continent will make for sustained high competitive playing opportunities for African players.

Question: What message do you have for the entire chess players in Africa?

Answer: The first message I have for chess players in Africa is that if you want to reach the top you have to work very hard at your game.

This message sounds simple but can also be overlooked.

Working hard means a dedicating yourself to improving the complete aspect of “you” as a chess player. This will range from preparation, attitude and actual tournament/ game playing.
Sometimes one may believe that having the talent gives you the right to get to the top and if it does not happen it is someone else’s fault.You only have to look at our new African chess hero Grandmaster Kenny Solomon to understand the rewards of working hard.Kenny has really worked hard at his game and this showed during the 2014 African Individual Championships.

The ACC Board under my leadership will work towards ensuring that the necessary opportunities for talented chess players to reach global heights are made available.Additionally, the established chess players must work towards becoming good role models for upcoming young chess players.They must also help the youngsters attain the demanding high levels of achievement.As one would say, “do not take the ladder with you as you rise”. Make sure that the ladder is firmly in place for others to follow you.


Question: What message do you have for all the member Chess federations in Africa?

Answer: To member federations of the ACC I would like to say thank you for giving me and my team the opportunity to “Build Chess for Africa”.
This is an enormous challenge which we relish and we will not let you down.
We will work with EVERY African federation for chess development irrespective of your political views.

Let us work together to make Africa proud.


 AKINOV- Thank you very much for giving us audience sir. We wish you a successful tenure as president.

Togo Chess federation announces 2015 ZONE 4.4 Individual Chess Championships

   

The 2015 ZONE 4.4 Individual Chess Championships  scheduled to hold between March 13th – 22nd March 2015 has been announced bt the Host , The Togolese Chess federation , Nigeria is a member of the Zone 4.4 and are expected to feature star players at the event , The zone 4.4 event held in Cameroon in year 2014 produced the first Ghanaian International master   IM  Anquandah, Francis  Eric(ELO 1956), and  First Cameroonian International Master - IM Amba, Oyon Marius Claude (ELO 1933) . The tournament also produced for Cameroon two FIDE masters  Ebosse, Kingue Victor Patrick (ELO 1999) Agbor, Ebot John (ELO 1993) and   It is hoped that the event this year will feature a stronger field of Players.
       NOVELA STAR HOTEL, LOME, TOGO
                                                       INVITATION
Under the auspices of the African Chess Confederation, the Togo Chess
Federation has the honor of inviting Zone 4.4 Federations affiliated to the World
Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the 2015 Zonal Chess Championships.
1. 2015 Zone 4.4 Chess Championships
Under the auspices of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), the Togo Chess Federation
(FTDE) has the honor of inviting all chess federations in Zone 4.4 that are affiliated to the
World Chess Federation (FIDE) to participate in the 2015 Zone 4.4 Individual Chess
Championships.
The event will comprise an Open Section and a Women’s Section.
The Championships will be held from 13th March, 2015 (arrival) to 22nd March, 2015
(departure) at Novela Star Hotel on the beach of Atlantic Ocean in Lome, capital of Togo.
2. Participants
In accordance with FIDE regulations, the Zone 4.4 Individual Championships are open to all
players from federations within the Zone 4.4 region which are affiliated to FIDE.
Federations will be allowed to enter a maximum of three (3) players in each category.
The host federation reserves the right to field up to five (5) players in each category and also
hold a player in reserve; that can be registered in the event that there are an odd number of
participants.
Subject to agreement with the organizers, the Continental President may allow additional
participants for the tournament.

3. Tournament Regulations

It is intended that the Championships will be played in accordance with FIDE regulations as

a 9 Round Swiss System tournament.

Time control will be 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of

the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting from move one (1).

The games will be played using DGT clocks; and pairing will be published on www.chessresults.com

Swiss Manager will be used for the Championship, and players from the same Federation

will not be paired together in the last round.

Draw offers are not allowed before Black’s 30th move.

4. Tie-Break

In case of a tie for the overall winner or other places, the tie will be broken as follows:

a) By the results between the players involved in the tie

b) Buchholz, the highest number wins;

c) Number of wins, the highest number wins;

d) Number of wins by black, the highest wins

e) The highest rating 

5. Title Awards

The winner in the Open Section will be awarded International Master (IM) title whilst the winner

in the Women’s Section will be awarded the Woman International Master (WIM) title.

 Other titles will be awarded in accordance with FIDE title requirements. 

6. Prizes

Open

Winner: US$ 1,000

Second Place: US$ 750

Third Place: US$ 500

Women

Winner: US$ 600

Second Place: US$ 400

Third Place: US$ 200

7. Qualification for 2015 FIDE World Cup

The 2015 Zone 4.4 Championships is a qualification event for FIDE World Cup 2015.

The Winner in the Open Section will qualify for the 2015 FIDE World Cup in Baku.

8. Tournament Schedule

The tournament schedule is as follows but subject to some changes if need be. However any

change to the schedule will be communicated during the Technical Meeting before the start

of 1st round. 

13th March, Friday       Arrival Technical Meeting Opening Ceremony

14th March, Saturday     1 st Round 2 nd Round

15th March                      3rd Round

16th March                      4th Round

17th March                      5th Round

18th March                      6th Round 

19th March                       7th Round

20th March                        8th Round

21st March                        9th Round & Closing Ceremony

22nd March                        Departure 

9. Chief Arbiter & Appeals Committee

The Chief Arbiter for the 2014 Zone 4.4 Chess Championships will be appointed by the ACC

President.

The Appeals Committee will consist of 3 members and 2 reserves chosen from among the

participating Federations.

Protests should be submitted in writing to the Chief Arbiter within two hours (2 hours) after the

end of the round in question, with a US $100 deposit. The deposit is refundable, if the appeal is

successful

10. Board and Lodging

All players, officials and accompanying persons from participating federations will lodge at

Euros 60 per person per day (sharing) or Euros 75 per person per day (single room). This

cost includes 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and supper).

All payments related to board and lodging must be effected before the 3rd March 2015,

which will be the deadline, or upon arrival (after confirming with the organizers).

Players, officials and accompanying persons who arrive before the 13th March 2015 or depart

after 22nd March 2015 will be expected to arrange their own accommodation for the extra

days or pay for the additional days at the tournament lodging venue, Novela Star Hotel.

Participating Federations will receive free board and lodging for one player in each category.

Important note: all payments must be made to the account of the Togo Chess Federation as

indicated in item 11. Bank Details or upon arrival subject to a specific request to the

Organizers. If payments are not received before the start of the competition, players will not

be allowed to participate in the tournament

9. FIDE Fees

In accordance with FIDE regulations an entry fee of 70 Euros is required for each player.

Federations are expected to pay entry fees for all their players and the fees must be paid

directly to FIDE. Players whose fees will not have been paid will not be allowed to

participate to the tournament.

10. Registration Fees:

The Registration Fee for each participating player is 100 Euros and must be paid into Togo

Chess Federation account before 3

rd March 2015.

Payments may also be made upon arrival; provided a request is made to the Organizers.

Players whose fees remain unpaid at the start of the Technical Meeting will not be allowed to

participate to the tournament.

Only Federations can register players.

The Registration Fee for each official and each accompanying person will be 100 Euros.

No refunds will be made for any player, official or accompanying person who fails to make it

to the Tournament after paying registration or FIDE fees.

Registration Forms for entries are attached herein; Federation officials must fill them in and

return them to the designated Togo Chess Federation officials on or before 3

rd March 2015

by e-mail to confirm entry.

All registered players, officials and accompanying persons are entitled to:-

- Free Transfer (to and from) Lome International Airport on arrival and departure.

- Shuttle to various places in the city depending on the Shuttle schedule. 4

11. Bank Details

 Bank Name: ECOBANK-TOGO

 Branch Name : Agence Rond-Point Port

 Branch Number : TG 055

 SWIFT CODE : ECOCTGTG

 Account Number : 7100141417719901

 IBAN: TG055 0171014141771990103

(For all payments do send proof of payment, with reference of Zone 4.4, your Federation name

and names of players, officials and accompanying persons being registered)

12. Travel Arrangements

All traveling arrangements and costs to and from Lome International Airport are to be taken

care of by respective Federations or respective players participating in the tournament.

Organizers will meet participants and accompanying persons at Lome International Airport

provided that full itinerary for each participant and their accompanying persons are

communicated to the organizer in advance, (not later than 9th March 2015).

13. Visas

All visas will be issued upon arrival. We will avail an official invitation that you must bring

along.

14. Local Currency

The local currency is CFA Franc. Fixed Exchange Rate is 1 Euro for 655 CFA Francs.

15. Deadline

Entry forms must be filled by the respective Federation and returned to the host federation

not later than 3

rd March 2015. This date is the registration deadline.

Late registration attracts a penalty charge of 50 Euros. The host Federation will thereafter

reserve the right to accept or reject any player.

Players who arrive unannounced will cover all their costs.

16. Organizers Contacts

President, Togo Chess Federation: Mr. Frederic Mawuvi Koue KOUEVI

Tel. +228 90043148

E – mail: f.kouevi@yahoo.fr

Official Email for Togo Chess Federation: ftdetogo@yahoo.fr

Tel. +228 22566200

General Secretary: Mr. Enyonam Sewa FUMEY

Tel. +228 90130628

E-mail: informaplus@yahoo.fr 5

17. Zone 4.4 Countries

Countries affiliated to FIDE Zone 4.4 are:

1. BURKINA FASO

2. CAMEROON

3. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

4. COTE D’IVOIRE

5. GABON

6. GAMBIA

7. GHANA

8. NIGERIA

9. SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

10. SIERRA LEONE

11. TOGO

We look forward to hosting all of you in our beautiful capital, Lome for a feast of exciting chess games.

Yours Sincerely,

TOGO CHESS FEDERATION

Frederic Mawuvi Koue KOUEVI

PRESIDENT 

Three Nigerian Chess Players gets Candidate Master title

 

The Trio of  Unwana, Eugene Ekpoikong (The Wild) ELO 2285 , Dieyi, Roland (The solid) ELO 2220  and Edunwale, , Hakeem (The King)  ELO 2205 have earned the Candidate Master (CM) title from FIDE, World Chess governing body. The benchmark for this title is the attainment of a minimum of 2200 ELO rating points .
   The FIDE rated tournament revolution currently going on in the Nigerian chess scene is paying off as the Nigerian chess industry is under going a serious improvement as more FIDE rated tournaments is expected for the year 2015 , and Corporate bodies are getting to know that the Nigerian Chess game as a sport is a very fertile ground for , sponsorship investment as the game is extremely easy to organize  and is just as prestigious as the game of golf , but more educative and mentally stimulating.
   The NCF president and the leadership of the Chess Players Association of Nigeria (CPAN) are warming up for a very productive 2015 Chess season.

Major Nigerian Chess events for year 2015 becomes Norm events for FIDE International Master title

 The Nigerian Chess Federation is yet to roll out the Calendar of chess events for the year 2015 , however one could get a glimpse of what is likely to happen from the recent release of  Calendar of Chess events in Africa for year 2015 by the KASPAROV CHESS FOUNDATION . The Nigerian Events reflected on the Calendar are as follows  1.Nigerian Breweries  National Open (NBL) 2015  19 - 22 October ,   2.  3rd Lagos Classics  26-29 October,  Both tournaments  will be holding at Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Lagos, Nigeria , Both shall be FIDE rated and also now reflected as   IM NORM tournament , meaning one could get an international Master title Norm from these Tournaments  under FIDE regulations.  The Nigerian Chess Federation Presidents Cup is slated for Early November  and it will also be FIDE rated.  Though the dates reflected above may be tentative, however the situation where Lagos classics comes up immediately after the Nigerian Breweries Championships has many positive sides to it as it enables Busy chess players to prepare for that important  Chess playing two weeks and thus schedule a leave of absence from Work for that period.Other money spinning Chess tournaments expected for the year are Oba's cup Chess Tournament in Benin city Edo State, C4 Chess tournament in Lagos, and hopefully the return of NFOC Chess tournament promoted by eminent Chess event Organizer Mr Dasaolu Rotimi (Dashey)
     The Nigerian Chess federation  (NCF)President Mr Lekan Adeyemi has promised so many good things , including many FIDE rated tournaments in Nigeria This year and he also added that the Calendar of Chess Events will soon be released by the Nigerian Chess federation very soon.