Tunde Onakoya, a 29-year-old Nigerian chess champion and education advocate, has recently captured global attention with his remarkable achievement of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. Onakoya played chess nonstop for an astounding 60 hours in New York City’s Times Square, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes set in 2018.
Onakoya’s journey to chess stardom began humbly at the Yintab Private Academy in Nigeria, where he was admitted in 2006 as a junior secondary school student. It was there that he discovered his passion for the game of chess, under the guidance of the late Mr. Clement Okoro, a dedicated chess teacher and coach. Okoro’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game inspired Onakoya and many other students to excel in chess.
Despite his humble beginnings, Onakoya’s talent and determination soon began to shine. He competed in chess tournaments against other schools, gaining confidence and honing his skills. His mother, Mrs. Taiwo Onakoya, later expressed her gratitude to the Yintab Private Academy, acknowledging that it was the foundation Tunde received there that enabled the family to “feed” on his success today.
Onakoya’s remarkable achievements extend beyond his recent world record. In 2018, he founded the nonprofit organization “Chess in Slums Africa,” with the mission of sharing his love for chess and providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children across the continent.
Through this initiative, Onakoya has not only empowered children from low-income communities but has also facilitated access to educational scholarships for those in need.
Onakoya’s dedication to using chess as a tool for social change has earned him widespread recognition and admiration. His recent 60-hour chess marathon was not just a personal accomplishment, but a testament to his commitment to raising $1 million for children’s education in Africa.
The event was supported by numerous celebrities, public figures, and members of the Nigerian community, who cheered him on throughout the marathon.
Onakoya’s journey from a student at the Yintab Private Academy to an internationally renowned chess champion and education advocate is a true inspiration. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with passion, determination, and a commitment to making a positive impact, individuals can rise from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable feats and transform the lives of others.
Tunde Onakoya’s journey to becoming a chess champion began at the Yintab Private Academy in Nigeria, where he was admitted as a junior secondary school student in 2006. It was at this school that he discovered his passion for chess, under the guidance of the late Mr. Clement Okoro, a dedicated chess teacher and coach.
Mr. Okoro’s unwavering dedication and passion for the game of chess inspired Onakoya and many other students to excel in the sport. Though some sources suggest Onakoya may have first seen a chess set at a barber’s shop, it was the opportunities and support provided by Yintab Private Academy, as well as the mentorship of Mr. Okoro, that truly enabled Onakoya’s chess skills to blossom over time.
Yintab Private Academy and its owners provided Onakoya the chance to compete against other schools, which helped him gain confidence and further develop his chess abilities. This foundational training and exposure at the academy laid the groundwork for Onakoya’s remarkable rise to becoming an internationally renowned chess champion.
Tunde Onakoya’s Impact on his community
Tunde Onakoya’s chess career has had a significant positive impact on his local community in several ways:
Providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children
He founded the non-profit organization “Chess in Slums Africa” in 2018, with the mission of using chess as a tool to provide educational opportunities and resources for children from low-income communities across Africa. Through this initiative, he has impacted over 10,000 children’s lives and secured fully-funded educational scholarships for over 500 children.
Challenging perceptions and fostering inclusivity
Onakoya’s work has actively challenged the traditional perception of chess as an exclusive activity for the privileged. By introducing the game to underserved communities, he has demonstrated the potential for chess to be a tool for inclusivity and empowerment.
Inspiring the next generation
His remarkable journey from a student at the Yintab Private Academy to an internationally renowned chess champion and advocate serves as a powerful inspiration for young people, particularly those from similar backgrounds. His story ignites a spark of possibility and encourages them to embrace the game and pursue their own aspirations.
Strengthening the local chess community
With his recent world record attempt and ongoing efforts have generated significant media attention for Chess in Slums Africa, attracting financial resources, volunteers, and the potential for similar initiatives to be established elsewhere. This fosters a more robust and impactful chess ecosystem that extends beyond traditional competitive structures.
Providing a safe and stimulating environment
Through Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has created a safe and stimulating environment for children to learn and interact, fostering positive development in their communities.
In summary, Tunde Onakoya’s chess career has had a transformative impact on his local community, empowering underprivileged children, challenging societal perceptions, inspiring the next generation, and strengthening the local chess ecosystem.
