News

Transgender Women Banned From World Chess Events

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has banned transgender women from competing in its women’s events, saying the individual cases would require “further analysis” and that a decision could take up to two years.

While the move has been criticised by some players and enthusiasts, FIDE said the imposition of the ban is temporary, according to BBC.

Many sports governing bodies have been working on policies towards transgender athletes, but chess does not involve comparable levels of physical activity.

However, the FIDE told the BBC it wanted to analyse the impact of these policies and did not want to rush this process.

“The transgender legislation is rapidly developing in many countries and many sport bodies are adopting their own policies,” it said.

“FIDE will be monitoring these developments and see how we can apply them to the world of chess. Two years is a scope of sight that seemed reasonable for the thorough analyses of such developments.”

It added that transgender players could still compete in the open section of its tournaments.

Yosha Iglesias, a trans woman professional chess player with the FIDE rank of chess master, said the policy would lead to “unnecessary harm” for trans players and women.

“This appalling situation will lead to depression and suicide attempts,” Iglesias said.

Woman Grandmaster and two-time US Women’s Champion Jennifer Shahade also criticised the FIDE decision, saying the policy was “ridiculous and dangerous”.

“It’s obvious they didn’t consult with any transgender players in constructing it… I strongly urge FIDE to reverse course on this and start from scratch with better consultants,” Ms Shahade said.

United Kingdom MP Angela Eagle, who was a joint winner of the 1976 British Girls’ Under-18 chess championship, said: “There is no physical advantage in chess unless you believe men are inherently more able to play than women – I spent my chess career being told women’s brains were smaller than men’s and we shouldn’t even be playing.”

“This ban is ridiculous and offensive to women,” she added.

In its policy decision, FIDE also said that trans men who had won women’s titles before transitioning would see their titles abolished.

Chess is classified as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Last month, the world’s cycling governing body ruled that transgender women would be prevented from competing in female events.

Meanwhile on Wednesday World Aquatics said it would debut a new open category for transgender athletes at this year’s Swimming World Cup event in Berlin after it voted last year to stop transgender athletes from competing in women’s elite races.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

14 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

14 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.