Based in Uganda, Raphael Kabuye is currently a university student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Makerere University. A passionate chess enthusiast, he serves as the Chess Captain and President of the Makerere Chess Society, where he actively promotes the game within the university and beyond.
Raphael has competed in numerous chess events and also shares his knowledge as a chess coach, inspiring players to develop their skills and strategic thinking. Beyond chess, he is deeply passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship, constantly exploring creative solutions and new opportunities.
When he’s not on the chessboard, Kabuye enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, making him a dynamic and well-rounded individual dedicated to both personal and community growth.
Mugagga Allan is an emerging force in Ugandan chess, boasting a 1900+ rating and a track record of excellence. A two-time gold medalist and National League MVP for Makerere University, he has led his team as captain and championed the development of the game. With a sharp tactical style and deep strategic understanding, Mugagga is making his mark both nationally and internationally. Off the board, he remains an advocate for chess growth in Uganda, actively engaging in tournaments, mentorship, and the broader chess community. The future of Ugandan chess is bright with talents like him on the rise.
Hameed Fathah is a passionate chess enthusiast, FIDE Arena International Master and Fide Certified Chess School Instructor dedicated to growing the game. As the founder of Little Chess Champs, he is committed to making chess education fun and accessible for young minds.
A former college chess captain, Hameed has won multiple medals at the university level, demonstrating his strategic brilliance and leadership. Beyond chess, he is an engineer, Project Management Professional (PMP), and business analyst, bringing a structured and analytical mindset to both his profession and the game.
With a vision to inspire the next generation, Hameed continues to promote chess through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
Mr. Yomi Elufisayo is an astute young man with constant quest for knowledge and undiluted passion for social development through the compelling power of sports. Though He studied Civil Engineering Technology but considering his passion for sports, He obtained certifications in Coaching, Sports administration, Sports communication / public relations etc. This is to keep him abreast of current trends within the sporting industry.
He has worked and still in collaboration with different international humanitarian organizations that uses sports as a tool to empower young people in Nigeria and other African Countries. Some of these organizations include but not limited to Panafricare (www.panafricare.org), Giants of Africa Foundation (www.giantsofafrica.org), Youth Alive Sports (www.youthalivesports.com.ng) and the Gift of Chess (www.thegiftofchess.org).
His commitment to youth empowerment earned him special awards like “Positive Coaching award in recognition of the unflagging dedication to the development of Nigerian Youth via Sport” and “Award of Honor for contributing to the success of 2019 Rivers State Youth Alive Basketball League Sponsored by Shell Plc.”
He enjoys the act of networking with people, reading, travelling, counseling, playing basketball, chess and swimming.
Christina Aziz is a 19-year-old Gambian-Lebanese chess educator, player, and advocate. Currently in her final year of A-Levels, she learned chess at an early age and went on to compete with The Gambia’s national team in the 2020 and 2021 Online Olympiads. Her passion for teaching led her to join the FIDE Education Commission, becoming a FIDE School Instructor in 2023, a FIDE Lead School Instructor and Lecturer in 2024, and she is now a Candidate FIDE Senior Lead School Instructor and Lecturer.
Christina is the ambassador for The Gift of Chess in The Gambia and co-founded Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and developing educational chess throughout the country. Through this initiative, she has helped teach nearly 1,000 children by establishing chess clubs in schools, giving presentations, coaching, and providing chess sets and resources.
She is also a member of FIDE’s Social Commission, bringing the FIDE Infinite Project to The Gambia, which explores the benefits of chess for children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, as a member of FIDE’s Women’s Commission, she actively advocates for and creates opportunities for girls and women in chess. In 2024, she passed the FIDE Arbiter’s exam, earning her first norm as a Candidate FIDE Arbiter.
Beyond chess, Christina is a competitive open-water and pool swimmer and an avid reader; she enjoys volleyball, nail art, and playing the piano.
Having lost both parents before age 14, Olusegun spent his formative years in the streets. Fortunately enough, he received assistance to resume school. He found joy in extracurricular activities that helped him build self esteem and confidence. He founded FORAM Initiatives for Education, Entrepreneurship and Development (FEED) in 2009 while at university and would take chess associated with other games to schools, orphanages, foster homes.
In 2023, he started the Chess Connecting the Disconnected project, using chess to reclaim out-of-school and street kids from violence and despair, thereby raising their expectations, teaching them how to concentrate on their future, develop strong mental health, learn how to defeat and overcome the worst situation they are facing and make strategic move towards a better future. His love for football led him to create the Climate Change Heroes Engaged in Environmental Education and Social Safegaurding (CHESS) Initiative through which young women and men of all backgrounds in many countries are trained with the game of chess and take action as ECO-SUPPORTERS Football For The Goals AMBASSADORS against plastic waste during sports events.
Azeez, Sofiyat P. is a passionate and driven individual with a strong interest in psychology, entrepreneurship, and wellness. With experience in business development and personal growth, she combines emotional intelligence with strategic thinking to create meaningful impact. She is currently building a concierge service brand focused on simplicity and quality, while also pursuing her academic and personal journey in mental health awareness.
Beyond business, Diwura is a vibrant advocate for arts and culture. She began her chanting career at the age of 13, rooted in tradition and spiritual expression, and continues to use her voice to inspire and uplift communities. She is also an enthusiastic chess lover who enjoys teaching and mentoring others, seeing the game as a powerful tool for critical thinking, discipline, and community connection.
Through her creative, educational, and entrepreneurial efforts, Diwura actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—especially in promoting inclusive cultural growth, lifelong learning, and mental well-being.
Adidjathou GARBA is a passionate and purpose-driven young leader based in Porto-Novo, Benin. With a background in English language education and digital marketing, she blends creativity, pedagogy, and innovation to make learning engaging and impactful. As the founder of Queens of the World, she is dedicated to empowering girls through games, arts, and programs that foster confidence and leadership.
Her love for the game of chess is deeply rooted in its ability to sharpen the mind, cultivate patience, and build meaningful connections. She sees chess not just as a game, but as a tool for transformation, especially for young girls in underserved communities. Through her club activities and mentorship, she uses chess to promote critical thinking, resilience, and community engagement.
She is also the founder of Play & Learn, a platform that uses gamification to make language learning fun and effective. As a committed volunteer with Beninvi Education, she actively supports initiatives that promote inclusive and equitable quality education, including the impactful Inclusive Mandela Day, where she contributes to creating spaces for dialogue, creativity, and youth expression.
Her work supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and innovation. She is excited to play a leading role in expanding the reach of chess and its life-changing benefits to more children, youth, adults and aged people across Benin Republic
A Nigerian born 19 year-old studying in Benin Republic has a passion for Chess. She learned Chess while on an internship program and has arrived to improve her skill over time. She is currently in her second year of university.
Due to her love for the game of chess, she joined the BeninART meets NaijaART, a non- profit organisation designed to create global opportunities for creative children and youths in both Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Asides her love for Chess, Rachel loves to read, sing and hopes to one day create a non-governmental organisation for victims of domestic abuse and sexual crimes
Abimbola Forbes is a 23-year-old Nigerian student of International Relations currently studying in the Benin Republic. With a vibrant mix of creativity, strategy, and passion, Abimbola is building an inspiring path in digital marketing and storytelling. She is a trained social media manager with over two years of experience, having trained over 200 people through webinars and community-led events.
Abimbola is passionate about the creative economy, personal development, and empowering others through access to information. She has worked with brands across industries, helping them scale visibility and engagement, and is known for her “Rich Aunty Abims” persona—a confident, insightful voice that blends luxury with learning.
Her love for chess began as a quiet curiosity but has grown into a cherished discipline, shaping the way she approaches strategy and life decisions. Abimbola is a young passionate Social media manager who is keen to empowering business owners on learning how to maximize social media platforms for their business growth and recently just authored a book for aspiring content creators and business owners.
Currently building a community of entrepreneurs and has successfully invested her knowledge into 200 individuals with her initiative.
Abimbola is a SDG Advocate 4&8 empowering young people like her to build a sustainable economic and educational system for the next generation. Her contribution to the SDs has earned her participation in events like the Global youth Dialogue hosted by the UNFPA and ICPD.
When she is not doing this, she takes pleasure in leveraging on her community management skill to create thriving environment for young people like her, advocating growth, participating in conferences and volunteering.
Abimbola dreams of building impactful platforms—from sustainable businesses in Francophone Africa to safe spaces for creatives and young professionals across the continent.