Nigerian Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya Meets President Tinubu to Discuss Expanding Impact of Chess in Slums
Nigerian chess player and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos on Monday.
President Tinubu shared a photo of their meeting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, praising Onakoya’s efforts to use chess as a tool for social transformation. He highlighted how Onakoya has positively impacted the lives of children in Nigeria’s slum communities through the game.
“I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth,” President Tinubu said.
The president added, “Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide, and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him. Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”
This meeting signals government recognition of the potential for chess and youth development programs to foster positive change across Nigeria.
