Tunde Onakoya is a well-known Nigerian chess player and coach. He was born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
He gained popularity over the internet after he started organizing interventions for children across slums in Lagos State. Recently, Tunde Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game.
Tunde Onakoya is the CEO and founder of Chess in Slums, Africa. Tunde’s peak ranking in the world was 2197 as of July 2016. Today, Tunde Onakoya presently holds a world ranking of 25863 in chess.
Tunde Onakoya Biography
Tunde Onakoya Pictures
Tunde Onakoya’s Early Life and Career
Tunde Onakoya was born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He was the founder of Chess in Slums, Africa, a non-profit organisation whose main purpose is to train children in underprivileged societies in chess and give them access to education.
Tunde Onakoya attended his primary school education in Lagos, Nigeria. However, he dropped out of school because of financial difficulties. Later, he returned to school, thanks to chess.
He later got a scholarship to study computer science at Yaba College of Technology. During his university time, he became a gold medalist at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games and the RCCG Chess Championship.
Tunde Onakoya started chess in slums in Africa in September 2018. In 2020, slums in Africa started partnering with Chess.com. Chess.com is an educational tool for classrooms, chess clubs, and parents.
In 2021, Chess in Slums Africa was able to train over 200 children and give 20 children a long-term scholarship.
Ferdinand, a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, won the chess tournament in Makoko in May 2021. Later, when he met Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, they played chess together.
Tunde Onakoya’s Parent
Unfortunately, there is no information for now about Tunde Onakoya’s parents and his siblings, but he was born and also grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. So, there is a high chance that his parents are also from Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Tunde Onakoya’s Age
As of 2024, Tunde Onakoya is 29 years old. He was born on October 6, 1994.
Tunde Onakoya’s Girlfriend
There is no information about his relationship. He managed to keep it off the internet.
Tunde Onakoya’s Net Worth
Currently, Tunde Onakoya is worth millions of naira, but his net worth is yet to be estimated.
Conclusion
Tunde Onakoya’s journey from Ikorodu, Lagos, to founding Chess in Slums Africa shows his dedication to helping kids through chess. Despite his own struggles, he’s given hundreds of children education and chess training. His partnership with Chess.com made his impact even bigger. Stories like Ferdinand’s, a boy with cerebral palsy winning tournaments and playing chess with the governor, show how Tunde’s work is changing lives.
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