World chess record holder, kicks off back to school campaign for displaced children in Yola
Guinness World Record holder and founder of the Chess in Slums Africa initiative, Tunde Onakoya, has described chess as a transformative tool for self-discovery and empowerment. Over the weekend, Onakoya visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Yola, Adamawa State, to inspire and uplift children displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency. His visit was part of a special programme titled “Chess Tournament and Back to School Campaign for IDP Kids.”
Speaking about his mission, Onakoya shared, “This is my first time in Yola, and it has been a surreal experience. I’m here because of chess—to offer this gift that helped me find my path in life to children who, like me, are often overlooked. These kids are much more than the poverty or circumstances they were born into; they have the potential for greatness.”
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Thirty children took part in the tournament held at the camp, showing their chess skills and intelligence to the amazement of the world-renowned chess player. Despite the trauma they have endured, the children eagerly participated, demonstrating that, with the right support, they can thrive and overcome adversity.
Onakoya emphasized the importance of embracing sports as a means of empowering Nigeria’s youth and keeping them away from social vices. “If we don’t reach these children first, someone with a more sinister agenda might. Our mission is education and empowerment. Every child is a genius, and talent is universal. We’re here to bridge the gap and show these children they have a place in the world,” he said.
Vivian Ibrahim, the convener of the Chess in IDP Camps initiative, which has already impacted over 300 children, echoed Onakoya’s sentiment. “We are using chess to give these kids opportunities in life. Some of them have even represented Adamawa State at the National Youth Games, showcasing their talents and intelligence.”
Ibrahim explained that her collaboration with Onakoya aligns with the vision of Chess in Slums Africa. “We are working together to change the narrative, to show that underprivileged children are not just capable but also disciplined and intelligent. We want to open doors of opportunity for them and display their talents to the world.”
The results are already tangible. Ibrahim’s initiative has sponsored 20 children back to school, and they are working to enroll even more. “For these children, chess is more than a game; it’s a gateway to discipline, intelligence, and confidence,” she added.
Together, Onakoya and Ibrahim are rewriting the story of Nigeria’s marginalized children. They aim to show that, with the right encouragement, underprivileged children can excel and not just survive. Through their work, they are planting seeds of hope, intelligence, and empowerment, proving that great things can indeed emerge from even the most difficult circumstances.
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