President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, to his residence in Lagos on Tuesday, where the chess prodigy presented his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon. Onakoya’s remarkable achievement and his transformative work with underserved communities were at the heart of their inspiring meeting.
Onakoya, a Lagos native, has risen from humble beginnings to become a global symbol of resilience and ingenuity. Through his nonprofit, Chess in Slums Africa, he has empowered countless children in marginalized communities by teaching them chess, a game that fosters critical thinking and opens doors to new opportunities.
His recent world record, set during an exhausting chess marathon, underscores his dedication to showcasing the potential of Nigeria’s youth on a global stage.
During the meeting, President Tinubu praised Onakoya’s journey, calling it a testament to the brilliance and determination of Nigerian youth. “Tunde’s story, from the streets of Lagos to breaking world records and uplifting underserved children, reflects the spirit of our nation,” the president remarked.
He highlighted the alignment between Onakoya’s vision and his administration’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind and no talent goes to waste.
President Tinubu expressed keen interest in scaling Onakoya’s model nationwide, emphasizing the transformative power of chess in developing young minds. “Through chess, Tunde opens minds and transforms lives in communities too often overlooked,” he said.
The president invited Onakoya to Abuja for further discussions on how the government can support Chess in Slums Africa’s mission to empower more children across Nigeria.
Onakoya’s work has not only brought hope to underserved communities but also put Nigeria on the global map. “Nigeria is proud of Tunde, and we will walk with him,” Tinubu affirmed, signaling strong governmental support for the chess champion’s vision.
The meeting marks a significant moment for Onakoya’s mission, as government backing could amplify the reach of Chess in Slums Africa, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian children to dream big and aim high.