Tunde Onakoya: The Nigerian Chess Champion Empowering Displaced Children With Education

• 10 Dec, 2024
• News
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In September 2018, Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess player and coach, established Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering impoverished Nigerian youth through the game of chess.

While Onakoya's initiative has flourished over the years, training over 200 children and awarding 20 of them lifelong scholarships, the world would take notice of Onakoya when he shattered a Guinness World Record during a chess marathon held in Times Square, New York City.

The 30-year-old then embarked on a daring quest to surpass the existing world record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. Although his initial goal was to play for 58 hours, his determination led him to extend the marathon to a full 60 hours. This remarkable achievement soon garnered him widespread recognition and partnerships that propelled his mission to raise US$1 million for the education of children in Africa, especially those lacking access to quality education.

In pursuit of his vision, Onakoya is actively working to ensure that children of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria have access to education. He has previously implemented similar Back-to-School campaigns in Borno and Yobe states, and is now focusing on Adamawa State.

Onakoya, reflecting on his mission, stated, “This is my first time in Yola, and it has been a surreal experience. I’m here because of Chess—to offer this gift that helped me find my path in life to children who, like me, are often overlooked. These kids are much more than the poverty or circumstances they were born into; they have the potential for greatness.”

Within the IDP camps, Onakoya employs the game of chess to engage approximately 30 children, because he believes in its potential as a transformative tool for self-discovery and empowerment among young individuals affected by insurgency.

Although they had been through traumatic experiences, the children were excited to play chess. This showed that if they were helped, they could do well and be strong.

Onakoya said that sports are important for helping young Nigerians to be strong and stay away from social vices.

“Our mission is education and empowerment. Every child is a genius, and talent is universal. We’re here to bridge the gap and show these children they have a place in the world,” he asserted.

Vivian Ibrahim, the organizer of the Chess in IDP Camps initiative, acknowledged that they are using chess to help these children have better lives. Some of them have even played for Adamawa State in the National Youth Games.

Ibrahim said that working with Onakoya was a good fit with the goals of Chess in Slums Africa. “We are working together to change the narrative, to show that underprivileged children are not just capable but also disciplined and intelligent. We want to open doors of opportunity for them and display their talents to the world.”

For Onakoya, educating these children is essential for cultivating a new generation of patriotic Nigerians who will work towards a brighter future for the country.