Diamond in the Rough

Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach, and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa

He grew up in a slum in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he learned to play chess at a barber's shop . Despite facing adversity, Onakoya became the 13th-ranked chess player in Nigeria.

Recognising the potential of chess to bring about positive change, he established CHESS in SLUMS AFRICA in 2018 with a mission to leverage chess as a catalyst for education, mentorship, and opportunity in underprivileged communities

He has organized a number of interventions for children across slums in Lagos State,

Slums Africa conducts two-week intensive chess camps In Majidun, Ikorodu, Makoko and Oshodi

The children are engaged in a two-week session that seeks to unlock their potential through the game of chess while learning to read, write and acquire basic literacy skills.

These camps not only teach children the intricacies of chess but also impart valuable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, discipline, and focus

The organization aims to empower young ones in impoverished communities through chess, providing them with the tools to navigate the complexities of their circumstances and envision brighter futures

In addition to the chess camps, Chess in Slums Africa has partnered with Chess.com_ the world's leading online chess platform, to gain access to educational resources, online tournaments, and a global network of chess enthusiasts

The organization's impact extends beyond the classroom, as they have secured a 3-year grant deal with Lufthansa Airlines Global to develop a chess academy and STEM innovation lab in Lagos, Nigeria, that will be open and free to street children without access to education

Tunde Onakoya's efforts have garnered international attention, with success stories of children from slums in Lagos being featured by prominent media outlets such as BBC, Al-Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, AFP, and MSN To date, Chess in Slums Africa has impacted over 10,000 children's lives and secured fully-funded educational scholarships for over 500 children to local and international institutions

In addition to his advocacy, the Nigerian chess champion and child education activist has played chess nonstop for 58 hours in New York City’s Times Square to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

Tunde Onakoya, hopes to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa through the record attempt that began on Wednesday.

He crossed the 58-hour mark at about 02:30 a.m. GMT Saturday, surpassing the Current Chess Marathon record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds, achieved in 2018 by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, both from Norway.

He currently holds the record for the longest Chess marathon and it’s a big win for the children in slums who benefit from his programs

Do you know you can put smiles on the faces of the less privileged around you by Using your Talents?