Sylvan Olisanye Ebigwei (8 January 1943 – 3 November 2023) was a Nigerian medical professional, dental surgeon, and a prominent figure in the advancement of chess in Nigeria and Africa. Often referred to as "Mr. Chess," Ebigwei was instrumental in the formation of the Nigerian Chess Federation and was a founding member of the African Chess Confederation.[1][2][3]
Sylvan Olisanye Ebigwei | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 January 1943 Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Died | 3 November 2023 (aged 80) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Mr. Chess |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos Medical School at Idi-Araba, National Post Graduate Medical College, Ijaniki |
| Occupation(s) | Medical doctor, Dental surgeon, Chess promoter |
| Years active | 1978–2023 |
| Known for | Promoting chess in Nigeria and Africa |
| Spouse | Evelyn Oba (m. 1976; died 2022) |
| Children | 4 |
Early life and education
editEbigwei was born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. After losing his mother at just eight months old, he moved to Okpanam, Delta State. He began his education at Saint Michael's Catholic School and later attended Saint Patrick's College, Asaba. Ebigwei was an exceptional student, eventually gaining admission to the University of Lagos Medical School at Idi-Araba, where he graduated in 1974.[4] Following this, he pursued post-graduate training in General Dental Practice at the National Post Graduate Medical College, Ijaniki, obtaining his fellowship.[3]
Career
editMedical
editDuring his medical training, Ebigwei met Evelyn Oba, whom he later married. Together, they raised four children and established a dental practice named EVOLIS, a combination of both their names.[3] Ebigwei acquired expertise in Dental Implantology, Crown & Bridge Prosthesis from the University of Florida and the Academy of General Dentistry, Orlando.[3] Ebigwei was a member of Nigeria Dental Association, the Guild of Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.[5]
Chess sport
editEbigwei's passion for the Chess game led to his significant contributions to the growth and popularization of chess in Nigeria and across Africa.[6] In 1975, Ebigwei, alongside Grand Master Raymond King (OBE) of England, spearheaded the formation of the Nigerian Chess Federation, with Ebigwei assuming the role of the first organizing secretary and Pius Okigbo as president.[7] Ebigwei served as the inaugural chairman of the Nigerian Chess Association (NCF) and subsequently ascended to the presidency of the Nigerian Chess Federation in 1977.[6] He initiated the establishment of the Commonwealth Chess Association.[6] During the World Chess Congress in Buenos Aires in 1978, he advocated for the admission of Libya into the World Chess Federation.[3]
Politics
editEbigwei was instrumental in the establishment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Nigeria.[6] Additionally, he once served as the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organization in Nigeria.[8][9][10] Similarly, he held leadership positions in Aka Ikenga, Lagos, an Igbo think-tank, serving as president and later rising to the position of Vice President General.[11] He was also adorned with the esteemed position of Iyase (Prime Minister) in his hometown.[5]
Awards
edit- 2023 - "Nigerian Patriotic Award" by the Ambassadors for Peace and Enlightenment Foundation, (AMPEF), a human rights organization.[12]
Death
editDr Ebigwei's life journey came to a close on 3 November 2023. He is survived by his children Chichi Spruel, Sylvia Oba, Awele Omeda and Joshua Ebigwei.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Tribute to Sylvan Ebigwei". Punch Newspapers. 23 January 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "Chief (Dr.) Sylvan Olisanye Ebigwei, MON, (BDS, PhD,FMCGDP, FMCFD, FAGP, DDP), remembering the life of a Chess Father". Vanguard News. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "PUNCH, eight others inducted into NCF Hall of Fame". cosmopolitan.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "Remembering the Chess Father". Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b c "Family postpones funeral of former Ohanaeze chieftain, Ebigwei". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d Tony Nwankwo,"Atiku played northern card, Tinubu built a tribe of politicians but Peter Obi will be President — Ebigwei, ex-Ohanaeze leader". vanguardngr.com. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "PUNCH, eight others inducted into NCF Hall of Fame". vanguardngr.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "No responsible Igbo wants Presidency now – Ebigwei, Ohanaeze leader". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ Shola Oyeyipo,"Afenifere Ohanaeze in Historic Parley". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "Any wrong decision taken on presidential election by judiciary may spell doom – Dr Sylvan Ebigwei, President General emeritus, Aka Ikenga". sunnewsonline.com. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "President Emeritus of Aka Ikenga mocks Ekweremadu". newsheadlines.com.ng. 25 August 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "AMPEF Honours Chief (Dr.) Sylvan Ebigwei With "Nigerian Patriotic Award" For His Contributions To the Development Of Chess In Nigeria". theclavermagazine.com.ng. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.