Chess Champion Tunde Onakoya Inspires at TEDx Nile University: From Slum to Guinness Record, Pioneering Change for Nigeria’s Youth

Tunde Onakoya, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon and founder of “Chess in Slums Africa,” recently spoke at Nile University. Having conducted a 60-hour chess marathon, Onakoya’s TEDx talk focused on his passion for chess and its influence on the creation of his organization, which aims to empower and inspire children living in slums.

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During his address, Onakoya shared that his fascination with chess began through interactions with local youths, known as “egbon adugbo,” following a significant personal hardship that interrupted his education. “Chess provided me with direction and purpose when I had to leave school,” he explained. He detailed the circumstances that led to the formation of “Chess Slums Africa” and recounted his encounters with out-of-school children engaging in unhealthy activities in Ikorodu, Lagos. His desire to positively influence these children’s lives through chess mirrors the impact the game had on him. “This initiative has significantly affected many Nigerian children, with numerous receiving educational sponsorships,” he stated.

Onakoya embarked on the Guinness World Record attempt to bring attention to both the game of chess and his foundation. He acknowledged that while the foundation could achieve more with government funding, it has nonetheless pooled resources to train out-of-school children and unlock their potential.

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In his speech, Onakoya highlighted the critical role of education in Nigeria’s future. He called for a synergy between the industrial sector and academic institutions to prepare students with the necessary skills for success in an evolving global landscape. He emphasized the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship in spurring economic progress and development.

Onakoya urged students to be inventive, advising them to “Never stop doing great things from a small place. Take risks, and view failure as a learning opportunity.” He also discussed the transformative impact of technology across various industries and the imperative for students to stay abreast of new technological advancements. His speech at Nile University was a powerful reminder of the value of education, innovation, and collaboration in forging a prosperous future for Nigeria.