Vanguard
12 October 2008
FOR anyone thinking it was a poor show that the ABSP Chairman was not present at the NSC final last weekend, I thought I'd better point out that I was otherwise engaged.
As the WESPA Chairman had himself qualified for the final playoff, he was unable to take up the invitation from the Nigeria Scrabble Association (NSA) to attend their flagship event, the Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classic in Uyo. Unfortunately for him, fortunate for me, as I was able to accept and play in his stead.
"I'm afraid my Scrabble failed to live up to the occasion, as I finished 42nd out of 46 competitors in the Masters division, with 5 wins out of 14. I'll try and get round to a separate post later, detailing my games. For now, I'll concentrate on the general aspects of the trip.
"Not having been to West Africa before, I was a bit uncertain what to expect, although knowing that UK-based Femi Awowade would also be attending, and that the NSA's president, Chief Toke Aka, also a WESPA Board member, would be making arrangements in Nigeria for me, helped allay any worries I may have had. A major wobble came shortly after definitively accepting the invitation, when I read the advice for travellers on the Foreign Office website. Uyo, the location of the tournament is the capital of Akwa Ibom State:
"'We advise against all travel to riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State (i.e., the river and swamp locations on or close to the coast accessible only by boat, but not by road). We advise British nationals in these areas to leave. We also advise against all but essential travel to other areas of Akwa Ibom State because of the high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks'."
Chief Toke assured me that the state governor himself, the major sponsor of the tournament, would guarantee my safety.
At the event, I was constantly reassured about the security aspect by the governor and others. The presence of armed guards with machine-guns in the playing area also helped. I have to say that at no point during my trip did I feel in the least unsafe. I can't stress enough how strong in depth the Nigerian players are -if only to excuse my own poor showing.
The very top players, including Jighere Wellington, who finished 3rd at last years WSC, had been ensconced in a training camp for the previous week, in preparation for both this tournament, and next weekend's Pan-African Championships in Nairobi. Three initial losses, including defeats by 1 point and 22 points, did little to settle my nerves, and although I followed this with 2 wins, I was never anywhere near being in contention.
"There was also a large Open Division (non-masters) and a separate Veterans division for players over 55. Altogether, over 150 players participated.
"The rules were very similar to UK standard rules, the main change being a 10-point penalty for an incorrect challenge. It was notable how quickly all my opponents played. I'm normally no slouch either, but the clock seemed to be continually ticking on my side.
"The event was held in one of Nigeria's finest hotels, Le Meridien Ibom. The hotel is only recently opened, and the standard of the rooms and facilities were really first-class. (An international women's golf tournament is due to be held there next month). The event was opened with an official reception where I was invited to take on the Governor, himself a keen player, in an exhibition game.
"This was a diplomatic dilemma, as I most certainly wouldn't wish to upset the patron. Embarrassingly, my opening rack contained a blank, and the good letters continued to flow. So it was a relief when we called the game to a halt midway through, in order to serve refreshments. Our host took it all in good heart, cheerfully rewriting the result for the annals of history.
"If the opening reception was grand enough, the closing gala dinner was truly spectacular. Over 350 guests were invited, and traditional entertainment preceded the varied buffet-style food provided.
"Speeches were made, including some closing remarks by yours truly as the WESPA Chairman's representative.
"The NSA are indeed fortunate to have found a sponsor in Governor Akpabio, who loves Scrabble, and is committed to staging an international tournament for years to come.
Next year's event is promised to be even bigger and better than this year's. It would seem that the proximity of the Pan-African Championships (PAC) had a negative effect on the number of players from other African countries being able to attend this year.
The PAC is biannual, so there will be no clash next year. The short lead time probably also deterred players from further afield, as most people need to plan holidays months in advance. The organisers assure me that next year, the dates will be made known well ahead of time.
My overriding impression of the weekend was the friendliness of the Nigerian players. Myself, and a Ghanaian player, were the only non-Nigerians present, and I was made to feel so very welcome. My personal vanity was massaged when, at one point on Sunday. People were queuing up to have their pictures taken with me. Indeed, I may have misheard, but I'm sure I heard a reference to a young Matt Damon, although possibly it was Matt Lucas.
"The passion with which the game is considered was also refreshing, with an acute desire amongst all the players to continually strive to improve their game.
"Before signing off, my huge thanks go to Chief Toke Aka for being so helpful prior to my leaving for Nigeria, and for being such a charming host; Governer Godswill Akpabio; the organisers of the tournament, especially Larry Ojoko and the representatives of Akwa Ibom State
"Scrabble Association; his Highness the Hama Bachama of Numan; Engineer Alan; Femi for all his help and advice; and all the players for making the whole event such an enjoyable time on the world circuit."
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