By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Nigerian chess champion and humanitarian Tunde Onakoya has responded to public criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his work with underprivileged children remains strictly non-political.
The founder of Chess in Slums Africa faced online backlash after meeting with the president following his Guinness World Record-breaking 60-hour chess marathon. Critics accused him of aligning with a government they believe contributes to the marginalization his initiative seeks to address.
In a personal statement, Onakoya clarified his intent. “A visit is not an endorsement,” he said. “To be honoured for a world record is not a crime. It wasn’t even a national honour.” He stressed that his work is non-partisan and, if ever politicized, he would resign.
Onakoya defended the purpose of Chess in Slums Africa, describing it not as charity or an NGO, but an educational intervention using chess as a cognitive development tool for disadvantaged children. “We teach kids how to think. That’s the real work,” he said.
He highlighted the organization’s independence – operating for seven years without international grants – and noted partnerships with Lagos State in rehabilitating street children. “One of them just graduated from furniture school,” he revealed.
Reaffirming his long-term vision, Onakoya pledged to build a world-class Chess/STEM institute. “In a decade, it will stand. And all the noise now will fall flat.”
Urging critics to prioritize truth and impact over online narratives, he concluded: “The world is beginning to notice Nigerian children not for their poverty – but for their brilliance. This is good news from Nigeria.”
