CHESS, COURAGE & CHAMPIONS: CELEBRATING TUNDE ONAKOYA AND NIGERIA’S RISING STARS

In a resounding triumph that has captured hearts across the globe, Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has officially entered the history books by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. This extraordinary accomplishment is not just a personal milestone—it is a collective victory for Nigerians at home and abroad, and a shining testament to the power of vision, resilience, and purpose.

Tunde played chess non-stop for over 58 hours, displaying mental stamina, emotional discipline, and unwavering determination. His record-breaking performance on an international stage exemplifies what is possible when passion meets purpose. But beyond the glitz of a world record lies a deeper story—a story of impact, advocacy, and lifting others from the margins.

Through Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde has turned the game of chess into a tool for social change, using it to empower children from underserved communities, nurture their minds, and help them dream beyond their immediate realities. His work proves that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. And thanks to him, opportunity now knocks at the doors of many who had been overlooked.

One of those shining lights is Ferdinand, a brilliant young boy I had the privilege of meeting recently. His confidence, clarity of thought, and strategic brilliance on the chessboard were simply awe-inspiring. Children like Ferdinand remind us that with the right support, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

Another source of immense pride is Jamiu Boluwatife, whose journey from the streets of Lagos to the international spotlight is nothing short of remarkable. At the 2025 United Nations Games in New York, Jamiu made Nigeria proud by winning both the ICN Chess Championship and the official Chess Tournament, earning not just trophies but admiration from around the world. His success, alongside other talented children nurtured by Chess in Slums Africa, shows us the transformative power of mentorship and education.

These young champions are more than prodigies; they are ambassadors of hope, symbols of resilience, and torchbearers of a brighter future. In every move they make on the chessboard, they’re rewriting the narrative of what is possible for children in Africa.

As we celebrate Tunde Onakoya, Ferdinand, Jamiu, and all the stars of Chess in Slums Africa, let us be reminded that greatness often begins in the most unexpected places—and that with vision, community, and courage, we can truly change the world, one child at a time.

Once again, congratulations to all our champions. You have made Lagos, Nigeria, and the entire African diaspora proud. Your stories inspire us to keep dreaming, keep pushing, and keep playing to win.