Atiku meets Tunde Onakoya, vows support for chess education hub

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his admiration for renowned chess advocate Tunde Onakoya following a recent meeting in which they discussed Onakoya’s impactful efforts to elevate children from underprivileged communities through chess.

In a statement posted on his official X (formally Twitter) account on Monday, Atiku conveyed that he was greatly inspired by Onakoya’s decade of mentorship for children in slum areas, enabling them to access quality education locally and internationally through the strategic game of chess.

Onakoya, the founder of the Chess in Slums initiative, also shared his ambitious vision of establishing the world’s largest chess institute, starting in Nigeria.

Impressed by Onakoya’s vision and impact, Atiku committed to supporting Onakoya’s initiatives and helping to turn the dream of creating a global chess education center into reality.

Atiku’s statement reads, “I had a great time meeting with Tunde Onakoya, #Tunde_OD. He shared with me the inspiring journey he’s been on for the past ten years, using chess as a powerful tool to transform the lives of children in slum communities. Through his work, he’s helped many of them out of the slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors.

“Tunde also spoke passionately about his dream to build the biggest chess institute—not just in Nigeria, but in the world. One thing he said that really stuck with me was this: “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.” I’ve committed to supporting his efforts and playing a role in bringing that vision to life.

“A big thank you to Tunde for the beautiful ‘NeoChess x Tunde Onakoya’ custom chessboard he gifted me, proudly crafted with traditional Adire patterns; it’s a true work of art.

“He’s also invited me to his upcoming birthday celebration later this year, which he’s turning into a platform to bridge opportunity gaps and uplift more of our young people.

“It was an enlightening and energizing conversation. Tunde is living proof of the incredible potential of our youth, especially when they’re given the right support and environment to thrive.”