ABUJA — Nigerian chess prodigy and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has addressed public criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, clarifying that the meeting was not an endorsement of any political figure but a moment of recognition for his global achievements and grassroots work in youth empowerment.
Onakoya, who recently entered the Guinness World Records for the longest chess marathon and was honoured by the City of New York, shared a detailed statement on Wednesday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, responding to both applause and condemnation over the high-profile visit.
“To be honoured and received by the President and the highest office in my own country, for this reason, is not a crime. It is not even a national honour, by the way,” he wrote.
He firmly rejected claims that his presence at Aso Rock suggested political alignment, adding that his organisation’s mission remains strictly humanitarian and educational. He emphasised that Chess in Slums Africa is not an NGO operating on charity but a transformative movement using chess to stimulate cognitive development and enhance educational outcomes for underprivileged children.
“The rhetoric that Chess in Slums only exists or is relevant because of bad governance is not accurate,” Onakoya said. “The real impact of our work is in the synapses.”
He also criticised comparisons to individuals who receive awards from nations accused of human rights violations, calling such analogies “laughable.” Onakoya stressed that while he welcomes all forms of feedback—positive and negative—he remains guided by his personal convictions, not public opinion.
“I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitivity of the work that I do. If that ever changes, I would resign as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa,” he added.
Onakoya’s remarks came amid growing scrutiny from some Nigerians who questioned the optics of meeting with a president whose administration has been mired in public discontent. However, the chess advocate stood firm, stating that his work had never depended on government handouts or international grants, and had thrived for over seven years on the strength of community support, partnerships, and vision-driven resilience.
He revealed ongoing collaboration with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate street children from communities like Jakande and Isale Eko, noting that one of the beneficiaries had recently graduated from a vocational school.
“Yes, we will partner with the government to scale this impact and institutionalise it so Tunde stops being the hero of the story. It’s your tax, anyway,” he said.
Onakoya reaffirmed his commitment to long-term goals, including the development of a Chess/STEM Institute designed to educate thousands of children and prepare them for a life of purpose and global relevance.
“In a decade or two, the Chess/STEM institute will stand. All the strong opinions we have now will fall flat in the face of this,” he declared.
The chess champion concluded by urging the public to differentiate between reputation and character, stating that while social media only offers a glimpse of his life, his decade-long service speaks volumes about his intent and integrity.
“The truth is, I will do many more things that may challenge your perception of me, but I know my heart is in the right place. I live for the audience of one, and that is enough.”