President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at his Lagos residence on June 9. The meeting was held to recognize Onakoya's remarkable achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon and to acknowledge his significant contributions to uplifting underserved children in Nigeria through chess.

Onakoya's record-breaking feat involved playing chess non-stop for 64 hours in New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to 20, 2024. He undertook this challenge alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez, officially surpassing the previous world record of 61 hours, an accomplishment certified by Guinness World Records. The marathon aimed to raise $1 million for his non-profit organization, Chess in Slums Africa, which focuses on empowering underprivileged children through chess education.

President Tinubu highly commended Onakoya's efforts, describing his journey from the streets of Lagos and his work as a testament to the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth. He praised how Onakoya, through chess, "opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked." The President expressed his strong commitment to supporting Onakoya’s initiative, stating he was looking forward to hearing how the government can support him and discussing ways to replicate and expand its impact nationwide. This aligns with his administration's stated goal of ensuring "no child left behind, no talent wasted."

During the visit, Tunde Onakoya presented President Tinubu with "One special edition gold-plated Adire chess set," a gesture he subsequently shared on his X page. This act, showcasing the gift to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, elicited a range of reactions from Nigerians online, reflecting diverse public opinions often seen with such high-profile interactions.

Tunde Onakoya, born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, is a Nigerian chess player, coach, and social entrepreneur. As the founder of Chess in Slums Africa and co-founder of Great Minds Chess Academy, his work has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many children from marginalized communities. His initiatives have helped numerous children out of slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors, thereby promoting education and securing scholarships.

Beyond the world record and the ongoing work of Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya has demonstrated a continued commitment to philanthropy. He notably fulfilled a promise to provide a full university scholarship to a young girl who had gained attention for sweeping streets with her mother in Lagos. He has also pledged to support the education of other children in need, further cementing his dedication to empowering young Nigerians.