Tunde Onakoya - From Ikorodu Slums to Grandmaster Glory

Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess master, coach, and the visionary behind Chess in Slums Africa, has not only etched his name in history by shattering the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon but has also dedicated his life to uplifting underprivileged children. Through the 64 squares of a chessboard, he’s building bridges to brighter futures, proving that from the humblest beginnings, extraordinary change can emerge. Born on October 6, 1994, in Isale Odo, a community in Ikorodu, Lagos, Tunde Onakoya grew up in a world where survival often trumped dreams. Yet, even as a boy, he saw possibilities where others saw limits. Tunde pursued a diploma in computer science at Yaba College of Technology, one of Nigeria’s prominent institutions. There, his brilliance stood out like a knight in a pawn’s game. He not only graduated as a gold medalist but also represented his school with distinction at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and the RCCG Chess Championship. His competitive drive propelled him to triumphs at events like the National Friends of Chess tournament and the Chevron Chess Open, where he out maneuvered seasoned players. At his peak, Tunde climbed to the rank of Nigeria’s 13th-best chess player, a feat that hinted at the greatness to come. In September 2018, Tunde channeled his passion and experiences into establishing Chess in Slums Africa, a volunteer-powered,

non-profit with a bold mission: to empower children in impoverished communities through chess. He saw the game as a tool to cultivate critical thinking, boost confidence, and equip young minds with skills to navigate life’s challenges. Starting in Lagos, Tunde and his team brought chess to places others overlooked under bridges, in crowded slums like Majidun, Makoko, and Oshodi, turning unconventional spaces into classrooms of hope. Their twoweek intensive programs introduced kids to pawns, rooks, and kings, blending strategy with life lessons. “Chess teaches you to think three moves ahead,” Tunde often said, a mantra that echoed in every session. The impact was immediate and heart stirring. Kids who’d never touched a chessboard began to dream in checkered patterns. In Makoko, a floating slum in Lagos’ waters, 10 year-old Ferdinand Maumo, living with cerebral palsy, defied odds to win a chess championship, his smile brighter than any trophy. In Oshodi, 18 year-old bus conductor Fawaz Adeoye captured hearts and headlines by winning a tournament, earning over 2 million Naira in donations from inspired supporters. These stories weren’t just wins on the board, they were proof of Tunde’s vision: that chess could lift kids from the margins to the center of possibility. A pivotal moment came in 2020 when Chess in Slums Africa partnered with Chess.com, a leading online chess platform. This collabo-