Bisina SomtoTunde Onakoya, is not just a master of the board but a visionary changing lives through chess. Here are 10 facts that shed light on this remarkable Nigerian chess master:
Chess in Slums Africa Founder
Onakoya established Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization aimed at training children in underprivileged communities in chess and providing them access to education.
Guinness World Record Aspirant
Currently, Onakoya is on a mission to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Teaming up with US chess master Shawn Martinez in Times Square, New York, they aim to play for 58 hours and raise $1 million for educating children in Africa.
READ ALSO: Tunde Onakoya Breaks 58- Hour Chess Marathon Record, Pushes For 60-Hour
Humble Beginnings
Born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Onakoya learned chess in a barber’s shop in the slums where he grew up.
Chess as a Lifeline
Facing financial hardships that forced him out of school at age 10, Onakoya found solace and opportunity in chess. The game not only rekindled his education but also paved the way for scholarships and a diploma in computer science from Yaba College of Technology.
Accolades and awards
Onakoya’s prowess isn’t limited to teaching. He’s a gold medalist at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and the RCCG Chess Championship, and has won the National Friends of Chess and the Chevron Chess Open.
Chess Identity
Reflecting on his journey, Onakoya once said, “Finding chess gave me an identity, an intellectual one. It made me believe I could also be a thinker.”
Chess in Slums Africa Impact
Since its inception in 2018, Chess in Slums Africa has empowered over a thousand children across 11 African countries, offering them two-week sessions that blend chess with literacy skills.
Educational Vision
Onakoya believes education goes beyond classrooms, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills crucial for life.
Support and Recognition
Onakoya’s Guinness World Record attempt has garnered massive support. Prominent figures like former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Lagos State Babjide Sanwo-Olu, and Nigerian artists Davido and Adekunle Gold have all voiced their support.
Global Recognition
Even beyond Nigeria’s borders, Onakoya’s efforts are recognized and supported. Both the US and UK embassies in Nigeria and football star Patrice Evra have shown their support.
As of now, Onakoya has played over 180 games during his chess marathon, raising over $62,000 for his charitable cause.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.
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