Spotlight of the Week: Tunde Onakoya
Date: (June 12th, 2024)
This week, we shine our spotlight on Tunde Onakoya, a remarkable Nigerian chess champion who recently achieved an extraordinary feat. Tunde broke the record for the longest chess marathon, playing non-stop for an incredible 60 hours in New York City’s bustling Times Square.
Earlier this year, Tunde drew global attention with his exceptional performance at the Digital Life Design Conference in Berlin. There, he astounded audiences by winning simultaneous matches against 10 international players and chess masters, showcasing his unparalleled skill and determination.
However, Tunde’s journey extends far beyond competition. He is on a mission to raise $1 million to support the education of children across Africa and make a lasting impact. Through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa, established in 2018, Tunde aims to educate one million children in impoverished communities across the continent, empowering them through the art and science of chess.
Tunde Onakoya’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Raised in Isale Odo, a disadvantaged district in Ikorodu, Lagos, he learned chess in a barber’s shop. Despite financial hardships, Tunde’s parents made significant sacrifices to support his education.
His mother worked as a cleaner at his school in exchange for tuition, and his father sold his vehicle to fund Tunde’s WAEC exams. His journey highlights the transformative power of education and resilience in overcoming poverty.
Despite efforts to improve access and quality, Nigeria still faces significant challenges with education. UNICEF reports that approximately 10.5 million children aged 5-14 were out of school in Nigeria as of 2020, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like Chess in Slums.
Chess in Slums is not just about teaching children how to play chess; it’s about providing them with opportunities for a better future by imparting academic, educational, and critical thinking skills.
By leveraging chess as a tool for empowerment, Tunde aims to break the cycle of poverty and equip children with the tools they need to envision and achieve a brighter tomorrow. The organization’s ultimate goal is to train over one million children within five years.
The success stories emerging from the Chess in Slums initiative, showcasing children from slums who have become media sensations and received educational scholarships, highlight the effectiveness of Tunde’s approach. His initiative has garnered international attention, with coverage from major media outlets, further amplifying the message and impact of his work.
Tunde Onakoya’s recent achievement of breaking the Guinness World Record was not just a personal triumph but also a means to draw attention to the cause he passionately advocates for.
Through his marathon session, he not only demonstrated his exceptional skill and endurance but also highlighted the plight of millions of children across Africa who lack access to quality education.
His commitment to driving change and providing hope for countless children striving for a better future exemplifies what it means to be a true advocate for change. Tunde utilizes his talents and platform to make a positive difference in the world.
Tunde Onakoya’s relentless dedication to inspiring children and advocating for their best interests serves as a shining example of how individuals can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
His story reminds us of the power of creativity, empathy, and resourcefulness in nurturing compassionate and empowered individuals who strive to create a better world for themselves and future generations.
To contribute to Tunde’s noble cause and support his vision, visit: https://www.chessinslumsafrica.com/
