It should be common knowledge by now that Tunde Onakoya’s determination to better the lives of underprivileged Nigerian kids makes him a national hero.
For years, the chess master has been the talk of the town with his record-breaking achievements, commendable charity work, and unbreakable positivity.
However, when photos emerged of his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, some critics didn’t hesitate to drag him for tarnishing his image by mixing his goodwill with politics.
Let’s get it straight, Tunde Onakoya is popular for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
In April 2024, he made history by playing non-stop chess for 60 hours in Times Square, breaking the Guinness World Record to raise funds for “Chess in Slums Africa”, the NGO he founded 7 years ago to empower disadvantaged children across Lagos State and beyond.
His words, “It is possible to do great things from a small place,” went viral across the country as soon as he uttered them, earning him deserved praise from President Bola Tinubu, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, and Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Onakoya’s journey has been nothing less than inspiring. Born in Ikorodu, he grew up in slums like Majidun and Makoko, before discovering chess in a barber’s shop and transforming his life with it.
His chess academy has offered lifelong scholarships to more than two hundred kids, securing full scholarships for twenty, automatically changing their lives in the process.
“Chess became more than a game; it gave me an identity…and made me believe I could think,” he said in an interview, summarizing how his work gave his life a purpose.
His meeting with President Tinubu was simply a moment of celebration, not a political transaction, and it signified a rare occurrence of Nigerian leadership acknowledging youth excellence.
Rather than criticize the meeting and portray it in a political light, critics should recognize how the visit validated Nigerian brilliance on a global stage.
Tunde Onakoya’s impressive strides have been supported by the US Embassy in Nigeria, CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, not forgetting popular Afrobeats stars like Adekunle Gold and Davido.
Such a level of backing only proves the chess guru’s global appeal that goes beyond partisan divides.
Tunde Onakoya deserves praise for being a critical thinker who has used chess to offer hope to the hopeless and direction to young citizens who would otherwise be lost.
His commitment is further proof of his genuine service that should never be misinterpreted, and his meeting with President Tinubu should be hailed for what it stood for: progress, not partisanship.
Nigerians should not hesitate to rally behind a national icon who has shown that lives can be changed through determination, compassion, and chess.
Tunde Onakoya doesn’t represent any political party in Nigeria; he represents every Nigerian youth who dares to dream.
