Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya has achieved another milestone with the launch of his Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos.
The world record holder, who made history in April by completing the longest chess marathon, announced the hub’s opening through a partnership with Lufthansa. In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, Onakoya expressed the profound significance of this achievement.
“Today, one of my greatest dreams came to life. We officially launched the first Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos, Nigeria, made possible through the incredible partnership with Lufthansa,” Onakoya shared. “It’s difficult to find the words to express just how much this moment means to me personally and to everyone who has walked this journey with us.”
The 29-year-old champion emphasized the hub’s core mission of inclusivity and opportunity.
“I have always believed that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to develop their full potential. This hub will be a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and where we’ll inspire children to have faith in their own ideas,” he declared.
The innovative facility, which will offer free access to children from Makoko and homeless youth in Yaba, Ebutte Metta, and Surulere areas, goes beyond traditional chess training.
The curriculum includes cutting-edge programs in coding, robotics, AI/machine learning, design, advanced chess training, and a book reading club.
“This is where we reimagine education for children who may have fallen through the cracks of society and help them unleash the power of their minds in creative ways,” Onakoya explained.
The chess master acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the hub’s creation, particularly highlighting key team members: “My deepest gratitude goes to the Chess in Slums Africa team, especially Emmanuel Oke, my right-hand man, and our board chairman Tunde Onakoya Esq. for their leadership from the project’s inception to this day.”
In a revelation, Onakoya shared the humble beginnings of his vision.
“The last picture in this post holds a special place in my heart. It’s from exactly four years ago when I had just moved into my first rented apartment in Ikorodu. I couldn’t afford furniture then, so I turned my living room into an after-school academy where children could learn how to use the internet, web development, and critical thinking,” he reminisced.
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Looking toward the future, Onakoya outlined his ambitious vision to establish similar hubs across Africa, creating spaces that prepare young talent for the future workforce. While acknowledging that the hub may not currently be the largest chess academy globally, he emphasized its strong foundation for growth and success.
His closing message to future students was particularly poignant: “To the children who will walk through those doors, I hope you find love and a sense of belonging here. There is no future worth dreaming of that doesn’t include all of you. One hub built, a thousand more to go.”
The Chess Innovation Hub represents more than just an educational facility; it symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the power of vision to transform lives
