“Nigeria Is Proud Of Him, and We Will Walk With Him” – Tinubu Declares During Tunde Onakoya’s Visit (+photos)

LAGOS, NIGERIA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, for his extraordinary use of chess as a transformative tool to uplift underserved communities.

Describing Onakoya’s work as “a reflection of the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth”, the President celebrated his achievements as both inspiring and impactful.

Onakoya, who recently set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, visited the President at his Lagos residence on Monday, June 9, 2025.

During the meeting, Onakoya presented his official Guinness World Record certificate and shared the story of his journey – from the streets of Lagos to becoming a global advocate for education through chess.

“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked”, President Tinubu said. “Tunde’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.”

The President expressed deep admiration for Onakoya’s grassroots initiative, which has provided education and mentorship to hundreds of children in Nigeria’s disadvantaged neighborhoods.

He also indicated the government’s interest in scaling the impact of Chess in Slums nationwide.

Tinubu pledged continued support, stating that further discussions would be held in Abuja to explore meaningful collaboration and long-term partnerships.

“Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him,” he affirmed.

Onakoya’s work has garnered international recognition for demonstrating how unconventional platforms – like chess – can be harnessed to foster education, discipline, and hope in low-income communities, creating new pathways for opportunity and social change.