Gov. Diri awards an N4 million scholarship to 9-year-old African chess champion

Senator Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa State, has awarded scholarships and a cash donation to nine-year-old Deborah Quickpen in recognition of her heroic performance at the recent Africa Youth Chess Championship in Accra, Ghana.

Miss Quickpen was crowned Under-10 champion after winning nine of ten games.

Governor Diri, who received the Bayelsa-born chess prodigy inside the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Yenagoa, announced a scholarship to university level in Nigeria or abroad, an N4 million cash gift, and named her a youth ambassador.

During the reception, Governor Diri said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Bayelsa State, I welcome you home and extend my heartfelt congratulations.” You are a deserving daughter of this country. Your government will back you up now that you’ve started on such a high note.

“As a result, I appoint you as an ambassador of Bayelsa State youths.” Your appointment is in the field of academia. I hereby declare that your academics will be supplemented by the game you already know how to play. You must attend a school, whether in Nigeria or abroad, that allows you to combine academics and sports, particularly chess.

“I also announce a cash gift of four million naira in recognition of your personal sacrifices alongside your parents and coaches.”

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“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your parents for raising you well. Every colossus begins at home. Today, you are Africa’s colossus in your age group.”

Governor Diri urged parents to follow the example of Mr. and Mrs. Quickpen in raising their children to be assets to society, the state, and the country.

In his remarks, the commissioner for youths and sports development, Daniel Igali, said three young Bayelsans, Deborah Quickpen, Treasure Ebiakpo, and Shine Ekpore, represented Nigeria in three different categories at the championship and made the state proud.

Igali expressed gratitude to the governor for the honor bestowed upon her and other athletes in the state.

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Miss Quickpen also represented Bayelsa at the recently concluded 6th National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, winning three gold medals.

She is the first and only Nigerian and African to win the prestigious World Chess Championship.