What transpired when Tunde Onakoya visited Tinubu in Lagos (Photos)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, for his groundbreaking efforts in using chess as a tool to empower underserved communities, describing his work as a “reflection of the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.”

Onakoya, who recently broke the world record for the longest chess marathon, was received at the President’s residence on Monday.

During the visit, he presented his official Guinness World Record certificate to the President and discussed his journey from the streets of Lagos to becoming a global ambassador for educational transformation through chess.

“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked,” Tinubu said.

“Tunde’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.”

The President expressed admiration for Onakoya’s grassroots initiative, which has educated and inspired hundreds of children in disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

Tinubu also said he is eager to explore how the government can scale the impact of Chess in Slums nationwide and pledged to meet Onakoya again in Abuja for further discussions on support and partnership.

“Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him,” Tinubu declared.

Onakoya’s work has earned global acclaim for demonstrating how unconventional tools like chess can become vehicles for education, discipline, and hope in low-income communities.