Oladipo Adegun is what you can call a Chess Master, after winning tournaments upon tournaments, and also mentoring many school children, youth and young adults to learn the ‘art and science’ of playing the strategic game. TIME TESTED NEWS ‘cornered’ him after he won yet another tournament, and gives the report here. Please enjoy the read.
How did you start playing Chess?
I first had the opportunity as a Youth Corper when I met my father’s co-worker, a doctor, who taught me and my siblings how to move Chess pieces. As the youngest, I chose playing Chess on my father’s board by interchangeably using my left and right hands, hence I built my love for Chess. Fortunately, there was a Chess board that I played in my senior secondary school and university back then, and I still play Chess till date.
What is your opinion about the benefits of playing Chess game?
Chess builds your creativity, thought, and confidence. It helps in pattern recognition, understanding, problem-solving, tactical, cognitive and strategic reasoning. It develops one’s sportsmanship, teaches and reflects instructions in one’s lifestyle. It also provides solutions to practical problems.
How many tournaments have you participated in, and when was your first tournament?
I remember my very first tournament in the university days as a second year student and as a one-time-extra-player in Board One of the tournament, I participated and became the captain of the Chess Club afterwards. Then, I started playing in other tournaments. I represented my school in the International University, Pre-NUGA and NUGA games where we averagely excelled. After my schooling, I was exposed to tournaments in Lagos State and its environs.
What are your experiences as a trainer to children, youths and beginners generally?
Initially, as an early child’s teacher, lover of teaching, Chess enthusiast, I related with ADHD- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Deficiency, extremely intelligent, curious and talented children, and led them to their passions which would be of Do you actively work with any organization?
I actually work with PURPD -an educational service covering Chess, Scrabble and Academics. I focused on Scrabble and Chess sourcing, and we educationally provide strong and structured-individualized learning processes by diagnosing the ability of the particular child before proscribing for his need and growth.
Would you consider Chess a part of entertainment?
Well, Chess is an art- not just about playing the game or fun, but all about you; just like the beauty radiates when an artist draws, paints or colours. Chess manifests your personality and attitude on the board; it’s all about your thinking and mindset. You know that if your mindset is that you can outsmart everyone, then you ought to think of opportunities of moving your piece forward, else you will be passive instead of being active.
Can you briefly tell us about the recent tournament that you just won?
I learnt that one should not be over-confident. I lost a game during the tournament, but I learnt a great deal from it. It teaches, makes you realize mistakes and enables you for more greatness. Later, I played with my previous opponent and won him because I was confident to win.
Adegun, where do you see yourself concerning Chess in the next 5,10 or 15 years?
There is this clamour for a Grand Master in Nigeria; I am not planning for that, but I’m definitely planning on how to train the next Grand Master or the first Grand Master in Nigeria. I wish Chess will be established, esteemed not only in Nigerian schools, but homes where its values and benefits are realized. In the next 5 years, my Chess books, online videos and Chess abilities among ages between 3-5 across the country are reached, hence making them Chess enthusiasts aimed at growing a Grand Master in Chess despite the huge tasks to overcome.
What is your purpose of learning or allowing your children to learn Chess, and why not introduce foreigners like the Russians to play our own Opon Ayo here?
Actually, Chess as a life teacher has a board where to twist life goals and challenges. It makes one think proactively, constructively, develop various plans towards a tough situation and succeeds despites setbacks. It’s just like when you lost your materials-queens, rooks, pawns in a Chess game; re-strategize and unleash your potentials. Chess gives you outright result.
