Chess champion and graduate of the University of Lagos, Enoch Nwali, has retained his crown in the Masters category in the 4th edition of Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble championship in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The Ebonyi-born player recorded 13 wins at the Chief Harold Dappa Biriye conference hall with a plus 1229 cumulative spread to win the trophy and the NGN 750,000 star prize and the winner’s trophy. Igali Precious of Bayelsa secure second spot with 12 wins and cumulative of +140 to smile home with a sum of NGN 450.000. Delta State Okiemute Tega came out third with same wins and cumulative of +139 to receive NGN 330,000.
In the veteran category, Esan Dokun of Kogi State emerged champion with +1465 cumulative after 13 wins, Ojior Osikhena of Edo state came second on 13 wins with cumulative spread of +585.
Nimibo Theophilus from Bayelsa State also came top in the Opens category with 13 win amassing +893, Bright Uzu of Rivers came out second with cumulative spread of +788, Ene Ketebu finished third.
Bayelsa also dominated in the intermediate category as Enai Doubara emerge champion with 13 wins cumulative of 894. Kareem Jamiu of Oyo State came second with cumulative of 1090.
Eddie Pereowei from Bayelsa State, a student of the Federal Government College, Odi won in the Students category.
Declaring the championship close, Gov. Douye Diri reiterated the commitment of the State government to using sports to combat crime as well develop the skills and talents of the youths. Represented by the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports, Sir Braveman Wodu, the governor said his administration will do more to develop Scrabble and other sports in the state. He assured the participants of a befitting championship in the next edition, saying that the championship would continue to witness a significant improvement as it progresses.
The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Chief Olubake Aka, in a remark, commended the Bayelsa State government for continuously hosting the spectacle in the State. Aka advocated the inclusion of scrabble in the curriculum of schools in Nigeria, saying it will not only improve the spelling ability of students but will also help professional scrabble players earn money. He congratulated the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court, stressing that the federation was happy to receive the news.
In his remark, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said over 250 participants registered in this year’s edition at all the categories.He stated that special thing about fourth edition of the championship was the improved prize money from 500.000 to 750.000 naira for the master category and other categories. Alabrah who is also the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State government, advocated for inclusion of Scrabble in the Olympics, saying it is the surest way for Nigeria to record gold in the Olympics. “Nigeria is the biggest Scrabble playing nation in the world. We have produced African champions.we should begin to blow our triumpet for the organizers of Olympics to include Scrabble, for sure, Nigeria will get medal if we compete,”
Highpoint of the event was launch of a book titled: “Pyramid – How to play Scrabble like a Pro,” authored by Mr. Ben Quickpen and presentation of trophies and cash prizes to winners of the fourth edition of Gov.Douye Diri National Scrabble championship.