Tunde Onakoya, chess player and coach, who holds the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon chess game and convener of Chess in Slums Africa, on X proudly announced the opening of “Chess Innovation Hub” stating that it is tuition free for the homeless teaching programs that includes coding and robotics among others.
Onakoya who has organized a number of interventions for children across slums in Lagos state including Majidun, Makoko and Oshodi has been a philanthropist who teaches children how to play chess and fund their education as well as provide home for them.
According to him, he believes every child should be given the opportunity to be creative and innovative. In his words:
“We officially launched the first Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos, Nigeria, made possible through the incredible partnership with @lufthansa
“I have always believed that every child, no matter their background, deserves the opportunity to develop their full potential. This hub will be a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and where we’ll inspire children to have faith in their own ideas.
“As promised, the hub will be free and accessible to children in Makoko, as well as homeless children in Yaba, Ebutte Metta, and Surulere axis. We will focus on creating programs that teach Coding, Robotics, AI/Machine Learning, design, advanced chess training and a book reading club.
“This is where we reimagine education for children who may have fallen through the cracks of society and help them unleash the power of their minds in creative ways.
“Our vision is grand: to build a Chess Innovation Hub in every community across Africa where we can super index on talent development for the future of work.
To the children who will walk through those doors, I hope you find love and a sense of belonging here. There is no future worth dreaming of that doesn’t include all of you. One hub built, a thousand more to go.” The Guinness Book of Record Player added.
In April 2024, at New York’s iconic Times Square, Onakoya broke the record for the longest chess marathon. After playing for 58 consecutive hours he was still at the board.
Picture credit: X/@Tunde_OD
By Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
adeoye.o@thesubstancenews.com
info@thesubstancenews.com
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