Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian Chess expert and charity organization founder of Chess in Slum Africa initiative, aimed at educating and campaigning for the education of children in the slums through chess and Mathematics.
Tunde is celebrated and has been a force to reckon with in Nigeria, Africa and the global stage as he comes top among the charity organization pushing to increase the literacy and intelligence level of children in Nigeria and also reducing the out-of-school population.
Recall that Tunde announced on his social media handles, on the 13th of April, 2024 his plans to embark on a record breaking journey of playing Chess for 58 hours undefeated, to set the longest Chess playing marathon undefeated.
This Guinness World Record event is currently going on at the Times Square, New York City where Nigerians home and abroad are cheering him up. The GWR comes in hand with his fundraiser of $1 million in support of his non-profit organization.
That being said, let’s go into some details of the life and achievements of the Chess Master.
Early Life and Background
Tunde Onakoya was born on the 6th of October, 1994 in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Onakoya had his primary and secondary school, after which he proceeded to Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a diploma in Computer science.
His family background includes his mother, who was a trader at the famous Eko market, and his father, who sold vehicle spare parts. The family lived in Ketu, Lagos, before moving to Isale Odo, Ikorodu, Lagos, and eventually to a slum area in Ikorodu. It was in these humble beginnings that Tunde learned to play chess at a barber’s shop, a skill that would later become a pivotal part of his life and career.
Life Struggles and Rise to Fame
As a young boy curious of what the board game was, Onakoya learnt the Chess game in a barbershop in the Slum, a reason why his outreach targets the Slums the most.
Tunde lived the early parts of his life in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. His early life was marked by financial challenges that made it difficult for him to afford secondary school education and that almost ended his dream of going to school but his mother, demonstrated immense dedication and chose to work as a cleaner at a school in exchange for his school fees. This sacrifice allowed Tunde to continue his education and would later see him become the number 13 ranked chess player in Nigeria.
Tunde’s journey from the slums of Ikorodu to becoming a chess master and a beacon of hope for many children is a testament to his resilience and determination. His work with Chess in Slums Africa has not only brought the game of chess to children in impoverished communities but has also provided them with educational opportunities and a chance to envision a brighter future.
Tunde Onakoya’s Girlfriend
Tunde Onakoya is in a relationship with Alma Asinobi, a Nigerian travel expert based in Ontario, Canada.
Alma and Tunde do not hesitate any given opportunity where they have to express their love for each other and how well they support each other’s career.
Career, Achievements and Networth
Tunde Onakoya has made significant strides in his career, both as a chess player and as a social entrepreneur. Here are some of his notable achievements:
– Chess Career
Tunde is a respected figure in the Nigerian chess community. He has a global rating of 25863 (April 2024) and has been ranked as the number 24 chess player in Nigeria according to International Chess Federation. His prowess on the chessboard has earned him several accolades, including being a gold medalist representing Yaba College of Technology in the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and at the RCCG Chess Championship. He has also clinched titles at the National Friends of Chess and the Chevron Chess Open.
– Chess in Slums Africa
In September 2018, Tunde founded Chess in Slums Africa, a volunteer-driven non-profit organization that empowers young individuals in impoverished communities through chess. The organization has trained over 200 children and secured lifelong scholarships for 20 of them as of June 2021.
– Media Features
His work has not gone unnoticed, as he has been featured in CNN African Voices for his impactful work with Chess in Slums Africa.
– Board Membership
Tunde is a board member of the New York City-based non-profit The Gift of Chess, further highlighting his commitment to spreading the game of chess as a tool for education and empowerment.
– Awards and Recognition
Tunde received The Future Awards Africa Prize for Community Action in 2021. He was also named Leadership newspaper’s Social Impact Person of 2022. His efforts have been recognized by high-profile individuals, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who hosted him and the children from his program on Children’s Day.
Tunde Onakoya’s career and achievements reflect his dedication to chess and his passion for using the game as a vehicle for social change. His journey from learning chess in a slum to becoming a beacon of hope for many children is a powerful narrative of resilience and impact.
Tunde Onakoya Guiness World Record
On Wednesday, 17th of April, 2024 Tunde Onakoya embarked on a mission to displace the previous holders of the world’s longest Chess marathon, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkinstad, both from Norway who played for 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds in 2018.
Tunde does not only want to play for 58 hours, he wants to set a record of being undefeated in his marathon feat.
He is expected to conclude his marathon challenge today 19th of April, 2024.
Joyloaded wishes him Goodluck in his adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tunde Onakoya?
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach, and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa. He is known for his efforts to use chess as a tool for social change, particularly in empowering children in impoverished communities.
What is Chess in Slums Africa?
Chess in Slums Africa is a non-profit organization started by Tunde Onakoya that aims to empower young individuals in impoverished communities through chess. The organization provides educational opportunities and chess training to help children unlock their potential.
How did Tunde Onakoya learn to play chess?
Tunde learned to play chess at a barber’s shop in a slum in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he grew up. Despite financial challenges, he managed to become the number 13 ranked chess player in Nigeria.
What are some achievements of Tunde Onakoya?
Tunde has won several chess championships, including the National Friends of Chess and the Chevron Chess Open. He was also a gold medalist representing Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria Polytechnic Games and at the RCCG Chess Championship.
Has Tunde Onakoya been featured in any major media outlets?
Yes, Tunde Onakoya has been featured in major media outlets like CNN African Voices for his work with Chess in Slums Africa and his impact on the children he works with.
What recent record is Tunde Onakoya attempting to break?
Tunde Onakoya is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. This endeavor highlights his dedication to chess and his intellectual prowess.
How can one support Chess in Slums Africa?
Individuals interested in supporting Chess in Slums Africa can do so by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about the organization’s mission and activities.
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