The Chess Players’ Association of Nigeria (CPAN) marked a significant milestone on June 24, 2025, with the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee which held virtually online over Zoom. Hosted by Perpetua Fasanmi-Peter and Olawale Peter Oyeleye, the event brought together 44 attendees, including key figures in Nigerian chess, to celebrate the re-establishment of CPAN and outline a revitalized vision for the future of the game in Nigeria.
Key Takeaways:
The CPAN inauguration celebrated the organization’s re-establishment and its renewed focus on grassroots development.
Kunle Kasunmu’s leadership in the transition process set the stage for CPAN 2.0. Adegbayi’s vision emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the revival of iconic tournaments.
The ceremony explored CPAN’s rich history, with FM Elect Lolomari George (First CPAN President), one of its founders, recounting the organization’s creation in 2012 alongside CM Charles Campbell. Lolomari emphasized CPAN’s long-standing mission to organize chess players, improve their welfare, and establish stronger ties with governing authorities. The event also honored contributors like Babatunde Ogunsiku, Victor Nwankwo, and Fawole John Oyeyemi for their support and dedication to Nigerian chess.
Mr. Kunle Kasunmu, the chairman of the CPAN Transition Committee, played a pivotal role in the organization’s revival. He detailed the steps taken to reactivate CPAN, including drafting a new constitution and organizing elections that brought the new leadership into office. Kunle’s remarks detailed the importance of this transition as a foundation for CPAN 2.0—a forward-looking initiative aimed at energizing Nigerian chess with fresh ideas and creativity.
Here below are the elected CPAN Officials
View Election Results
Incoming CPAN President Adegbayi Oluwadara outlined ambitious plans to transform the chess landscape in Nigeria.
His vision includes:
Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and incorporating innovative ideas from members
Statewide Expansion: Appointing coordinators to activate chess activities in every state.
Tournament Revival: Reviving the prestigious C4 (Chevron Chess Challenge) and restructuring the CPAN Chess League.
Membership Engagement: Introducing a member dues framework by January 2026 to ensure sustainability.
Prince Adeyinka Adewole, a former CPAN President and currently the Vice President of Nigeria Chess Federation, encouraged the new executives to prioritize teamwork and remain committed to their shared mission, while Nathan Ekanem and other dignitaries expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential. The swearing-in ceremony, led by Kunle Kasunmu and Lolomari George, formalized the transition, with Adegbayi as President, CM Job Atabor as Vice President, and other officers pledging to uphold the association’s values.
In his closing remarks, the chairman of the CPAN Transition Committee, Mr. Kunle Kasunmu, thanked Dr. Apollos Akomako, Prince Ikenna Iluono, and Abiodun Oke for their hard work and commitment to the success of the CPAN 2025 electoral processes.
The Nigerian chess community eagerly anticipates the impact of CPAN’s revitalized leadership.
Stay updated with BruvsChess Media for the latest developments in Nigerian chess!
