Tinubu Hosts Chess Whiz Onakoya,Pledges Government Support

Lagos, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday, June 9, 2025, played host to Nigerian chess master and humanitarian, Tunde Onakoya, at his private residence in Lagos. The meeting underscored the President’s recognition of Onakoya’s groundbreaking achievements and his commitment to empowering youth-led initiatives.

Onakoya, the visionary founder of “Chess in Slums Africa,” an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged children through chess education, presented President Tinubu with a specially designed chessboard. More significantly, he also showcased his Guinness World Record certificate for the “longest chess marathon,” a monumental feat achieved earlier this year in New York City, where he played for an astonishing 58 hours, surpassing the previous record and drawing international acclaim.

During the cordial meeting, President Tinubu commended Onakoya for his inspiring work and his dedication to putting Nigeria on the global map through intellectual pursuit and social impact. The President expressed his keen interest in Onakoya’s future endeavors, stating he looked forward to a follow-up meeting in Abuja to discuss avenues for government collaboration and support for “Chess in Slums Africa.”

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Onakoya’s “Chess in Slums Africa” has gained significant traction for its innovative approach to using chess as a tool for cognitive development, critical thinking, and social mobility among vulnerable children in underserved communities across Nigeria. His recent world record attempt not only brought global attention to his cause but also garnered substantial financial support, which Onakoya has pledged to use for the expansion of his organization’s impactful programs.

The President’s invitation to Abuja signals a potential partnership between the government and Onakoya’s initiative, promising a brighter future for countless young Nigerians through the strategic game of chess. Observers believe this collaboration could provide a significant boost to youth development and educational outreach programs nationwide.