Tunde Onakoya: Building Dreams Beyond the Chessboard
Before the headlines, records, and movement, there was a boy in Ikorodu, Lagos, trying to recreate a chessboard from memory. Tunde Onakoya's story is one of grit, purpose, and possibility, illustrating how a simple moment can spark a lifelong journey. Not every path begins with a clear plan; some start with curiosity, in ordinary places that later reveal profound significance.
A Humble Beginning in Ikorodu
For Onakoya, that pivotal moment occurred in a barbershop in Isale Odo, Ikorodu. It wasn't a classroom or formal setting but a neighborhood space where people gathered. In conversation with Guardian Life, he recalled being fascinated not by chess strategy initially, but by the beauty of the carved pieces. "I had never seen anything so beautiful, and it felt like they all had an identity," he said. Without knowing how to play, he went home, used cardboard to draw a board, and molded clay pieces, an improvisation that marked the start of his transformative journey.
Overcoming Early Doubts and Challenges
At home, his father initially saw chess as a distraction, often discarding the board. However, this changed when Onakoya won a trophy and prize money of about 5,000 Naira in 2007. "When he saw the money, he was like, oh, maybe this could mean something," Onakoya explained. In Nigeria, chess has historically lacked the cultural prominence of football, but Onakoya believes it's not due to a lack of value. He argues that chess needs compelling stories and passion to resonate, stating, "People do not care about what you do, they care about why you do it."
Challenging Gender Assumptions in Chess
When asked if men are more strategic than women, Onakoya firmly rejected the idea, attributing any imbalance to historical access and encouragement rather than innate ability. "I do not believe anyone has any monopoly on critical thinking or even strategic thinking," he asserted. Through his programs, he has witnessed this bias collapse, demonstrating that talent knows no gender.
Chess as More Than a Game
Onakoya views chess as a versatile tool beyond competition. He cites The Queen's Gambit, noting, "Chess does not always have to be competitive. It can just be beautiful." In educational settings, it enhances critical thinking and academic performance, while in healthcare, it aids rehabilitation. Ultimately, he sees chess as a philosophy for life, shaping how individuals think and approach challenges.
A Dream Redirected by Educational Bias
Initially aspiring to be a lawyer, Onakoya's path was altered by a rigid school system that pushed him into science classes against his interests. "I ended up struggling with science classes, and because of that, I never made it into university," he shared. He reflects on this bias as a tragic issue affecting many students, highlighting systemic flaws in Nigeria's education that stifle artistic and humanistic passions.
Playing for a Greater Purpose
His Guinness World Record attempt was driven not by vanity but by a mission to raise funds for children's charities. "The reason was to raise money for the charity, for the children," he emphasized. Despite the grueling process, purpose kept him going. Supported by global well-wishers in Times Square, he found strength in empowering others and offering hope.
The Power of Representation and Future Ambitions
Watching Queen of Katwe was a turning point, as it showed a young Black African child whose life was transformed by chess. "For the first time, I saw a young Black African child that chess gave a life to, and that changed everything for me," Onakoya said. Inspired, he aims to replicate this impact, acknowledging the vast work ahead. While his organization has reached thousands, he stresses the need for government support to scale efforts. His bold vision includes building the world's largest chess academy as a haven for children, emphasizing that meaningful change requires patience and persistence.
