President Tinubu meets Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, and pledges federal backing to expand slum education through chess across Nigeria.
In a gesture that highlights the growing recognition of grassroots innovation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday welcomed Nigerian chess prodigy and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, to his official residence in Abuja.
Onakoya, the visionary behind Chess in Slums Africa, recently gained global acclaim for setting a new world record for the longest chess marathon. His feat — achieved not in a conventional classroom, but born out of dedication to children in Nigeria’s underserved communities — has become a national symbol of resilience.
Clad in traditional attire and proudly holding his framed world record certificate, Onakoya stood beside President Tinubu during the high-profile meeting. This meeting signals the Renewed Hope government’s education goals with community-driven efforts.
“From the slums to the spotlight, Tunde’s journey showcases the untapped potential within our youth,” President Tinubu said. “His work proves that chess is more than a game — it is a gateway to critical thinking, discipline, and transformation.”
Acknowledging the social impact of Onakoya’s initiative, the President affirmed that the federal government would actively support programs that uplift children through alternative learning models. “No child left behind, no talent wasted,” he declared, emphasizing that these words are more than a motto — they are a national priority.
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In a symbolic exchange, a custom chess set was presented by the chess god to the President, hinting at a budding partnership. Tinubu revealed plans to reconvene with Onakoya in the near future to explore expanding the program nationwide, bringing chess-based learning to classrooms and community centers across the nation.
“Nigeria stands with him,” Tinubu concluded. “And we will walk with him on this journey.”
