Tunde Onakoya’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and imagination in action. Born in 1994 in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, he first encountered the game of chess while watching elder men play at a local barbershop. That moment marked a turning point. Chess became more than a pastime—it became his identity, a powerful tool that would reshape his life and touch countless others. Tunde OnakoyaBusinessday NG

Determined to give others the same spark, Tunde founded Chess in Slums Africa in 2018. His nonprofit brings chess coaching, literacy, mentorship, and opportunities to children living in impoverished communities like Makoko, Majidun, and Oshodi. It’s a grassroots movement built on the belief that “a slum is just a place—it doesn’t define the people who live there.” Businessday NGWikipedia

Tunde’s message of empowerment went global when he played a marathon chess session in New York’s Times Square. His record-breaking effort—60 straight hours of play alongside U.S. master Shawn Martinez—was more than a feat of stamina. It raised critical funds for education across Africa and drew massive media and public support. Chess.comReverb Time MagazineThe GuardianThe Guardian Nigeria

Beyond the board, Tunde continues to be a compelling voice for change. He has spoken on stages ranging from TEDx and the Oxford Africa Conference to the Obama Fellowship. His work has earned him prestigious accolades—including Social Entrepreneur of the Year and Community Action awards—confirming that great ideas can emerge from even the smallest of places. Tunde OnakoyaTEDx Nile UniversityChess and Community

Tunde Onakoya’s life is living proof that passion and purpose—from the struggle of a slum to the bright lights of the world stage—can inspire us all to dream bigger.