“Through his work, he’s helped many of them out of the slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors.”
365NEWS gathered that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has met with Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya.
Last month, Onakoya was honoured by Guinness World Records for playing chess non-stop for 64 hours.
He did this with American chess player Shawn Martinez in New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to April 20, 2025.
Atiku shared photos of their meeting on X on Monday.
He said he was impressed by Onakoya’s achievement and the work he is doing.
“I had a great time meeting with Tunde Onakoya, @Tunde_OD. He shared with me the inspiring journey he’s been on for the past ten years, using chess as a powerful tool to transform the lives of children in slum communities.”
“Through his work, he’s helped many of them out of the slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors.”
Atiku said Tunde Onakoya spoke with passion about his dream to build the biggest chess institute in the world.
He recalled Onakoya’s words, “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.”
The former Vice President said he has promised to support Onakoya’s efforts and help make that dream a reality.
He also praised the chessboard Onakoya gave him, which was designed with traditional ‘Adire’ patterns, calling it a “work of art.”
Atiku added that Onakoya invited him to his birthday celebration later this year
