Under the beaming lights of Times Square, Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, etched his name into the record books — not just for a marathon, but for a movement.
After 58 hours of non-stop chess, Tunde broke the record for the longest chess marathon ever recorded, not for clout, but for cause , raising $1 million to fund chess education for underserved African children.
But this isn’t just about a record. This is about revolution.
From the slums of Lagos to the streets of New York, Tunde has become a living testament to the power of strategy, on the board and in life. With his Chess in Slums initiative, he’s turned what many saw as a game into a lifeline for displaced and vulnerable children.
From the Slums to the World
Tunde’s recent trip to the U.S. with some of the children from his program offered a rare window into what real empowerment looks like. These weren’t just travel companions; they were young minds once written off by society, now being reintroduced to the world as thinkers, strategists, and future leaders.
They played in parks, met with global chess enthusiasts, and saw a world once deemed out of reach. It was a powerful reminder: access changes everything.
Homegrown Pride, Global Impact
Back home in Nigeria, Tunde was recently honoured by the Nigerian presidency for his contributions to youth development and education. While the recognition sparked online debate (with some questioning the government’s role in his journey), one truth remains constant: Tunde’s work speaks louder than politics.
Through Chess in Slums, he has:
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Rehabilitated hundreds of street children
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Reunited displaced kids with their families
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Created access to scholarships and education
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Inspired a generation of African youth to see strategy, not struggle, as their future
The Bigger Picture
This is not about a board game. It’s about redefining possibility for children that society often forgets.
Tunde has shown us that genius can be found anywhere, in the dust of Oshodi, the corners of Makoko, or the camps of IDPs. All it takes is someone to believe, teach, and stay.
“It’s not just chess. It’s a way out. A way forward.” – Tunde Onakoya
As he continues to move kings and queens across boards worldwide, he’s also building a real empire built on empathy, excellence, and equity.
