Nigerian chess player Tunde Onakoya on Monday visited President Bola Tinubu in Lagos
President Tinubu shared a photo of the duo on his X handle, hailing the impact of the founder of Chess in Slums Africa.
According to Tinubu, Onakoya has used the game to “transform the lives of children in slum communities”.
“I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth,” Tinubu said.
“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”
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I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.
Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the… pic.twitter.com/jzCWzWnfIW
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) June 9, 2025
Onakoya also posted on his X handle about the visit, saying he is grateful for the opportunity to meet with the president.
“Honored to have been graciously received by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onakoya, who is the chess World Record holder for the longest marathon, said.
“Grateful for the time, listening ear and kind invitation to Abuja to share our vision: to build the Largest Chess/STEM institute in the world. A place where children regardless of background can dream, learn and become,” he wrote.
Honored to have been graciously received by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, @officialABAT.
We had the privilege of presenting a Gold plated Adire Chess board and the world record certificate.
Grateful for the time, listening ear and kind… pic.twitter.com/DI4Mh0tvY3— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) June 10, 2025
The Chess in Slums founder also presented Tinubu a “gold plated Adire Chess board and the world record certificate”.
