Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess player and coach, has left an indelible mark on the development of chess in Africa. As a FIDE International Master, he has proudly represented Nigeria in numerous international chess tournaments. Beyond his achievements on the board, Onakoya is the visionary behind the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, dedicated to bringing the game to underserved communities. This initiative has led to the establishment of chess clubs and programs across several African countries, harnessing the power of chess as a tool for social change and youth development.
Onakoya’s dedication and impact have earned him global recognition, with accolades highlighting his contributions to both chess and social progress. He serves as an inspirational figure within the African chess community, offering guidance and motivation to young players continent-wide.
In a remarkable feat, Onakoya shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, clocking an impressive 58 hours. The event unfolded in the heart of New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to 19, 2024. With a goal of raising $1 million for charity to support chess education for millions of children, Onakoya was joined by his American counterpart, Shawn Martinez, a respected US National Master and esteemed New York City chess figure.
Throughout the marathon, Onakoya battled physical discomfort, fatigue, and health challenges, including severe vomiting and stomach pain resulting from inadvertently consuming coffee with milk, to which he is lactose intolerant. However, his endurance was matched by the outpouring of support from hundreds of Nigerians and fans, as well as notable figures such as President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold.
Despite falling short of the ambitious fundraising target, the charity event still managed to raise an impressive $110,000, underscoring the enduring impact of Onakoya’s commitment to using chess as a catalyst for positive change and education.
