The African Chess Confederation has expressed sadness over the passing on of Nigerian chess enthusiast Engineer Jonathan Odega.
“The African Chess Confederation is saddened by the passing of Engineer Jonathan Odega,” reads a statement released by the ACC President Ms Tshephiso Lopang.
ACC President Ms Lopang has conveyed ACC’s heartfelt condolences to the family of Odega and the Nigerian Chess Federation.
“It was with emotion and sadness that we learned of the passing of Engr. Jonathan Odega.
On behalf of the African chess family and the African Chess Confederation Executive Committee, I wish to extend my deepest condolences, to everyone at Nigerian Chess Federation, Zone 4.2, Orchid-Lekki Chess Club, and most importantly the family of Engr Jonathan Odega, his friends, and loved ones.
Jonathan was a chess enthusiast and his passion for the game saw him establishing the Orchid Chess Club. A club that organized and supported various tournaments.
And in 2019 his club merged with Lekki Chess Club to Orchid-Lekki Chess Club, a partnership that was described as the biggest chess collaboration in Nigeria.
A gigantic hotelier and businessman, Jonathan was the Executive Chairman of Orchid Hotels Group. One of his properties Orchid Hotel hosted the Nigerian National Chess Championship for three consecutive years in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
His legacy and achievements, and in particular his personality, his skills, his leadership, and how he applied his chess ideas to business, career, finance, and practical living will be truly missed. Kindly convert our message that the African chess community remembers this legend and stands by the family in this period of pain and mourning.”– reads a condolence message by the African Chess Confederation President.