🔥 Trending Tunde Onakoya: Who is the Chess Master Behind the ₦250 Million Scholarship?

Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess player, coach, and social entrepreneur, widely recognized for his efforts to empower children in underprivileged communities through chess ¹³⁴. He is the founder of the non-profit organization "Chess in Slums Africa" ¹²⁵.

Key Aspects of Tunde Onakoya's Profile

Chess Master and Coach

Onakoya is an accomplished chess player and coach ¹⁵. His passion for chess began in his youth, where he reportedly recreated a chessboard from memory in Ikorodu ⁶. He has since used his expertise to teach the game to thousands of children.

Founder of Chess in Slums Africa

In 2018, Onakoya founded "Chess in Slums Africa," an organization dedicated to using chess as a tool for social intervention ¹⁵⁸. The initiative provides chess training and educational opportunities to children living in challenging environments and slums across Lagos State, Nigeria ¹⁵. The program aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and provide access to education for these children ⁵.

Guinness World Record Holder

Tunde Onakoya gained significant international attention in April 2024 when he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game ¹². He played for an astounding 60 hours against NM Shawn Martinez (and others), surpassing the previous record of 56 hours set in 2018 ². This achievement brought global awareness to his cause and the mission of Chess in Slums Africa.

Advocate for Social Change

Beyond his chess prowess, Onakoya is a prominent advocate for social change and youth empowerment ³⁴. He believes in the transformative power of chess to provide hope and opportunities for children, especially those facing adversity ³⁴⁸. His work has been featured by various international media outlets, highlighting his innovative approach to social development ⁸.