HE dropped out of school as a child and barely spoke a word of English, his chronically impoverished background flung in his young face. And were it not for a scholarship which facilitated his return to school and drastic reversal of fortune, he would probably still be battling grinding poverty. But he chanced upon chess, that global game of grit and vision, and today he is on the lips of men and women around the globe, a champion of champions, the man who simultaneously battled ten players in Germany, each of them a master of the game, and defeated them all. The man who flaunts his spatial origins “from the slums of Ikorodu” recently wrote his name in the history books, and the hearts of fans from around the globe: he completed a 60-hour chess marathon, setting a new Guinness World record. Listen to his TED talk entitled “Doing great things from a small place” and you will marvel at the depth of his concern for making a difference in the lives of children in the slums of Africa. His name is Tunde Onakoya.
For 60 long hours in the heart of New York’s Times Square, Onakoya battled opponents, intent on his mission to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa. “Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” he said before breaking the world record, a feat he would still have achieved if he had stuck to his initial target of 58 hours. The previous record was held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who in 2018 set a record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. Clocking 58 hours merely strengthened Onakoya’s steely resolve. “We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going,” the 29-year-old champion said to roaring applause, a perfect picture of Nigerian resilience. The man who has organised a number of interventions for children across slums in the South-West and beyond has the objective of unlocking their potential through the game of chess while they learn to read, write and acquire basic literacy skills.
Onakoya’s feat left President Bola Tinubu completelty mesmerized. “I congratulate Tunde Onakoya @Tunde_OD on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim,” the president posted on X, saying that the effort demonstrated “a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population”. He added: “I celebrate this Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for his rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess. Tunde has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to battle impossibility, and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage.” On his part, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the journey of the chess master from Lagos to global recognition embodies the spirit of Lagos. His words: “Tunde continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos, a city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights. Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.”
Also, the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, likened Onakoya’s journey to that of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something out of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties is a testimony that life does not recognise where one comes from, place of birth, or parent’s status in the society. Hear him: “I can see why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and breadth of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future. Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador…I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breadth of the state. ”
Onakoya is indeed living proof that Nigerian youth aren’t just one lazy lot. He braved the odds in the biting cold of New York to set the Guinness chess record. He fought off stomach upset to stun the world. And he didn’t even make that daring record for himself: he wanted to help raise funds to educate children in slums in Africa. He has been touring states trying to raise chess champions. Instructively, Onakoya is not one of those young Nigerians imitating Guinness World Record winners, like many did after Hilda Baci’s cooking marathon; his originality is in ample evidence. We think that the 29-year-old has fully earned his plaudits. We salute his courage, dedication and passion for education. He is truly an inspiration. His feat is an affirmation of the ingenuity, dexterity and capability of the average Nigerian who is ready to explore new opportunities even in the face of adversity. There are more Onakoyas who are endowed with such spirit and diverse skills that can be deployed to dazzle the world and burst open the path of opportunities in the public space, if only the necessary impetus is given by the leadership of the country. Onakoya ‘s outstanding feat should inspire sober reflection and herald a new thinking on how Nigeria can maximally harness the talents and skills of its massive population of young people. It is not for nothing that he was massively supported by Nigerians who trooped into New York to cheer him on. We wish the chess master greater successes in his endeavours.
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