Chess master Tunde Onakoya promotes game in Maiduguri

Nigerian chess player and coach, Tunde Onakoya, renowned for holding Guinness World Records for the longest marathon chess game, has arrived in Maiduguri to promote chess among the youth.

Onakoya, who is also the founder of the “Chess in Slums Africa” initiative, is known for providing educational interventions through chess for children living in Lagos slums.

Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess expert, strategizing during a marathon chess game.

Upon his arrival on Friday, Onakoya visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Muna and Bolori, where children have been receiving chess training from members of the 105 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Maiduguri Mess Club.

The chess master engaged in interactive sessions and played games with the children, praising their dedication and enthusiasm for the sport.

Tunde Onakoya shared his own story of growing up in a poor background and learning chess at the age of 10, encouraging the children to pursue the game as a way to sharpen their talents and improve their lives.

Several children, particularly girls who have experienced trauma due to the insurgency, expressed how the game has been instrumental in their healing and recovery process.

During his visit, Onakoya and his team also paid a courtesy call on Air Commodore C.O. Olayera, the Commander of the 105 Composite Group. Olayera commended the chess master for his efforts in supporting vulnerable children and assured that the Air Force would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to help these children pursue education and achieve their potential.