My journey wouldn't be as remarkable without the incredible individuals and organizations who've stood by my side. Together, we're forging a path where dreams become reality. Grateful for these champions who've shared in my triumphs, I'm inspired to reach new heights every day.
In March 2022, I connected with chess player and businesswoman Najeebah Williams, who played a key role in bringing attention to me virtually. She introduced me to Russell, founder of Gift of Chess, leading to an article about me. Najeebah facilitated my ChessTails contract and helped with my laptop. She designed the Chess Wit Ivie logo, acting as my mentor, and is central to my success story, making her highly valued.
Russell Makosfy is the founder of Gift of Chess and has an incredible personality. He made me an ambassador for the Gift of Chess in Nigeria. Ever since I became an Ambassador, he has been rendering a lot of support towards my chess journey.
Bob Soccia, founder of Greater Cleveland Chess Club, recognized my potential and provided vital support. He supplied a Samsung laptop, router for internet, premium chess.com access, and arranged coaching. His dedication is evident with a donation page on the club's website. His belief in young players like me drives his impactful initiatives.
My Ohio coach, highly recommended by Bob, has brought incredible joy to my chess journey. Alongside Amelia, a talented 5-year-old player, we form a team under "Play Chess with Stacia." Stacia's mentorship has been a standout highlight of this year; our seamless communication and understanding have forged a strong bond, turning us into a united and thriving team.
Mellisa Cohen is a woman I respect so much. She and Ruseel founded the Her Move Next Foundation, of which I am also a member, and I play online tournaments monthly for my USCF rating with them. She was instrumental in my registration with the United States Chess Federation (USFC).
Chess In Slums Africa, led by Founder and CEO Tunde Onokoya, has been an instrumental part of my journey. Tunde's support, alongside his role on the board of The Gift of Chess, made me an ambassador for both organizations. Through their collaboration, I received my first chess set, sparking an overwhelming synergy that is prominently represented on the site.
Rish from RCTOus has been pivotal in my chess journey. He gifted me a premium ichess package, adapting my courses when Chessable took over. In a remarkable gesture, he named a Nebraska tournament after me for community support in 2023. His support and dedication have left an indelible mark on my path.
Luciana Morales contacted us on Twitter to say she would love to help register me in the Chessable Academy last session. She eventually did that for me, and I was in that program for three months, after which I was allowed to choose any Chessable course for free. She has a baby girl, Catalina, who is my good friend.
Chess Opening Master's founder, Alexander Horvath, extended generous assistance to me and my family. We connected on LinkedIn, and his support has been invaluable. He interviewed me and is exploring a chess invitation via the Slovakian federation. His daughters, especially Valentina, and I share a close bond, making our connection even more special.
Amelia is a five-year-old chess player from Mexico. We are teammates at chess with Stacia, Ohio. Her outstanding performance and sharp voice during chess practice used to amaze me. We solve lots of puzzles together. It is always fun to be with her while practicing chess together.
D.I.G. San U. Mohammed (rtd), is President of the Nigeria Chess Federation. I first met the president in October 2021 at the Abuja Hub chess tournament at the National Stadium. He did the award presentation, and since then, the rest is history. He always reaches out and encourages me on my chess journey.
Carla Berkowitz. Carla, is the producer of Critically Thinking Movie, and I cannot overemphasize her support for me. She never stopped reaching out. Always encouraging and believing in my ability to play chess and inspire other kids. She believes that we will meet very soon.
Babatunde Ogunseki is the CEO of Africa Chess Media. My Dad calls him the “Jagaban” of chess. He was the first to say that controlling the “CENTER” in chess is critical. He coached me online from Lagos. He is not only a coach for me. He is also our source of inspiration.
Perpetual Ogbiyoyo is the Founder/Executive Director of Promoting Queens. She is a Woman Fide Master (WFM) and twice Nigeria’s Woman Chess Champion. We met during a chess tournament at the national stadium in Abuja, and since then, she has continued to coach me online. She is now a good friend of my family.
The Royal Chess Club was the first club my dad contacted when searching for a chess club to register me during the summer break in 2021. I was in the chess club for one month, and the coaches and students were phenomenal.
Irena Burton of the Ideal Road Show is an excellent source of inspiration. As soon as the “IDEAL ROAD SHOW” production was out, she allowed me to immediately get access to it while it went on sale on Amazon. Thank you very much for your support. She has a pet dog named George, who eventually became my friend.
Stephane Dudognon is my French Teacher. He ensured that my passage into Alex Echecs was smooth. I now belong to a chess club in France due to his efforts. I am now also a perfect friend to his two kids, Noah and Ethan, who have continued to help me improve my French language
Antonio Joaquin Quintero Gemio founded the Alfil Invidente Chess Club in Cadiz, Spain, where I am an honorary member. He provided a section for me in the club’s monthly magazine for my story to be told.
Doctor Jovita, also called the queen of chess, is one lady who has continued to look out for how my chess story is going. She recently sent me a book titled “Chess Made Easy for Kids” by Doctor Jovita to encourage me.
Suleiman Hassan is the founder and CEO of Chess Hub Entertainment. He gave me a huge platform to showcase my chess skills when I was six. He insisted I should be in his tournament, even though it seemed obvious I could not do much because it was an open tournament. It eventually turned out that I came first in the children's category, to everyone's amazement. He hugged me because I had not disappointed him when I was called to collect my medal. Since then, it has been nonstop for me with chess.
The organization 264 Recreation Chess Club is my boyhood chess club that I hold dear. Though distance prevented me from having regular training sessions with them, coach Emi ensures I get the maximum support anytime I am available. I appreciate them a lot, and the guys there are doing great things with chess. He hugged me because I had not disappointed him when I was called to collect my medal. Since then, it has been nonstop for me with chess.