Tunde Onakoya Responds To Criticism Over Visit To President Tinubu

Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has responded to criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.

Onakoya clarified that the visit was not a political endorsement but a continuation of his mission to promote youth empowerment and education through chess.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya said his work remains focused on improving lives through cognitive development and education for underserved children, not politics.

He noted that being acknowledged by the highest office in the country for his Guinness World Record achievement was not a crime or political act.

“I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitivity of the work that I do,” Onakoya said. “If that ever changes, then I would resign my role as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.”

He rejected comparisons to public figures associated with controversial regimes and stressed that his organisation is not charity, but a platform for transformation.

According to him, the initiative helps children who have fallen through societal cracks gain access to education and cognitive tools for personal development.

“The real impact of our work is in the synapses,” he said. “We’re using chess as a tool to teach cognition and improve academic outcomes. This is not charity or an NGO, it’s social intervention.”

Onakoya revealed that Chess in Slums Africa has never received international grants and continues to operate with support from community partnerships and local government.

He mentioned an ongoing project with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate street children in areas like Jakande and Isale Eko, some of whom are now in vocational training.

Addressing public opinion, he said, “You may not understand my intentions or character because the only thing you know about me is what I let on social media. But reputation is not character.”

Onakoya emphasized that he welcomes both criticism and praise but remains focused on his long-term vision of establishing a Chess/STEM institute that will educate thousands of children.

“A visit is not an endorsement,” he said. “I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chess boards.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to his cause: “In a decade or two, the Chess/STEM institute will stand, and it will be a place where thousands of children will dream again. All the strong opinions we have now will fall flat in the face of this.”