Rita Odafe
The acclaimed Nigerian chess player and coach, Tunde Onakoya, known for holding a Guinness World Record for the longest chess game, has made his way to Maiduguri to advocate for the game among young individuals.
Onakoya is recognized as the founder of “Chess in Slums in Africa,” a program dedicated to offering support to children living in slums in Lagos. He arrived in Maiduguri on a Friday.
During his visit, Onakoya interacted with children from internally displaced persons residing in Muna and Bolori camps. These children had been receiving chess training from members of the 105 Composite Group of the Nigeria Air Force, Maiduguri, Mess Club.
The chess expert engaged in interactive sessions and played chess with both boys and girls in the camps, commending them for their dedication and passion for the game.
Encouraging them to persist in their pursuit of chess, Onakoya emphasized that the game not only enhances their skills but can also open doors to opportunities, drawing from his own experiences.
Sharing his background as someone who emerged from a humble beginning, Onakoya recounted how he began learning chess at the age of 10.
Several children, especially girls who had faced trauma due to the conflict, expressed how chess had played a vital role in their healing and journey to recovery.
Additionally, Onakoya and his team visited and met with the Commander of 105 Composite Group of the Nigeria Air Force, Maiduguri, Air Commodore C.O. Olayera.
The commander praised Onakoya for his program aimed at empowering underprivileged children to nurture their skills and potentials.
Olayera affirmed the Air Force’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders as part of their social responsibility in assisting marginalized children in pursuing educational opportunities.
He highlighted that this collaboration would serve as a platform for guiding and supporting children to excel in diverse fields and make meaningful contributions to society’s progress and advancement.
