The Brave Ones: Tunde Onakoya — The Grandmaster of Change

“The board of life belongs to those bold enough to make the first move.”

A Boy from Ikorodu Who Dreamed in Strategy

In the heart of Ikorodu, Lagos, a young boy once sat on a cracked bench, holding a borrowed chessboard and an unshakable dream. His name was Tunde Onakoya, and even before the world knew him, he was already playing life like a grandmaster — thinking ten moves ahead, determined to outwit circumstance.

Born on October 6, 1994, Tunde grew up in a low-income community where opportunity was a luxury and dreams were often dismissed. But he refused to be defined by his environment. Where others saw lack, he saw patterns — chances to think differently, move differently, and live differently.

Faith in the Power of Change

Tunde discovered chess in his teenage years and instantly connected with its rhythm — a game of foresight, patience, and courage. Without formal training or mentorship, he taught himself using borrowed books and long nights of practice.

Each move was more than a lesson in the game; it was a metaphor for life — a reminder that with clarity and conviction, even the smallest pawn could rise to power.

“Every child deserves a chance to dream — and to win.”

His faith in transformation grew stronger with every move. He realized that if chess could shape his thinking, it could also reshape the minds of thousands of children born into similar realities.

When Purpose Meets Mindset

After studying Computer Science at Yaba College of Technology, Tunde made a bold move — to turn chess into a movement. He founded Chess in Slums Africa, an initiative that uses chess as a bridge to education, literacy, and self-belief for children in marginalized communities.

From Makoko to Oshodi, he began setting up chessboards in public spaces, teaching kids to think, plan, and believe. Soon, those sessions became something more — sanctuaries of hope. Children who once saw life as survival began to see it as strategy.

[Suggested photo: Tunde surrounded by kids playing chess in a local community]

A Mentor, Not Just a Master

One of the most inspiring outcomes of his work is the story of Fawaz Adeoye, a chess prodigy from the streets of Oshodi. Tunde didn’t compete with him — he mentored him, guiding him toward a life of purpose and opportunity.

“The real win is not in defeating others, but in empowering them.”

That mentorship became a symbol of his leadership philosophy — that success is only meaningful when it multiplies in others.

The 60-Hour Game That Inspired the World

In April 2024, Tunde took his belief to the world stage. At the bustling heart of Times Square, New York City, he played chess for an astonishing 60 hours straight, smashing the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.

It wasn’t just a test of skill — it was a test of spirit. Each move, each hour, each night of fatigue became a declaration that resilience can outlast exhaustion, and focus can outshine fear.

[Suggested photo: Tunde at Times Square during the Guinness World Record attempt]

“Limits exist only to be redefined.”

From the Streets to the Summit

A year later, in March 2025, Tunde and his Chess in Slums Africa team represented Nigeria at the Community Chess Conference in the United States. They didn’t just compete — they inspired, winning awards and recognition for their impact on children across Africa.

Through it all, Tunde has remained grounded, humble, and deeply driven. His integrity guides him. His empathy fuels him. His courage keeps him moving forward.

The Lessons Beyond the Board

Tunde’s teachings go far beyond the 64 squares of the chessboard. He shows children how to think before they act, how to plan for the long game, and how to stay calm under pressure — lessons that extend to every aspect of life.

For him, education isn’t confined to classrooms; it’s found in curiosity, discipline, and strategy. It’s about giving every child the tools to play their own winning game.

A Legacy of Light

From a slum in Ikorodu to a spotlight in Times Square, Tunde Onakoya has shown the world that greatness can rise from anywhere. He’s proven that belief creates transformation, that mindset shatters limits, and that courage can redefine what’s possible.

“Greatness isn’t about where you start. It’s about how bravely you play your next move.”

Today, he stands not just as a chess champion but as a champion of change — a man who teaches others to think better, live bolder, and move fearlessly.

The Brave One of the Week

Tunde Onakoya embodies what it means to be one of The Brave Ones — a leader whose story reminds us that courage is not the absence of struggle, but the decision to rise above it. Through his work, he continues to turn struggle into strength and passion into purpose, proving that even the smallest act of faith can spark a global movement.

“Through every child he mentors, every community he uplifts, and every boundary he breaks, Tunde continues to redefine what it means to lead with heart.”