The convener of ‘Chess in the Slum’ Tunde Onakoya proudly announced the achievement of one of his mentee Jamiu who won at the senior category of Impact Coaching Network (ICN) Chess Championship in New York, ahead of 200+ USCF-rated players, and earned a $500 scholarship.
Recall five students from the chess academy program have secured U.S. visas and had travel to participate in a series of prestigious events across the United States, most of which they have proudly won.
Their itinerary includes the Chess & Community Conference in Athens, Georgia, as well as engagements in New York City and at Harvard University
Onakoya shared the heartbreaking story of Jamiu whom he said lost his mother at a tender age and had to move in with him alongside his junior brother, Ayomide.
The convener whose feeling is mixed, the absence of Jamiu’s mother who could not witness the achievement of her narrated the story in a post on X on Monday.
His post read: “my heart is overwhelmed with a joy words can barely hold.
“In 2018, I met Jamiu. He was a curious kid, brilliant and full of light. At the time, he was working as a roadside mechanic in the slums of Majidun, Ikorodu.
“I invited him and his brother Ayomide to our weekend chess academy. I immediately grew very fond of them as they were very talented and of great character as well.
“When I asked to meet their parents, he led me to a tiny shed and hugged a woman with the kindest smile. “That’s my mum” he said.
“I noticed her leg was amputated. She had lost her right leg in a tragic accident: while scavenging for plastic bottles at a dump site to feed her children, an excavator ran over her.
“She was never taken to the hospital as there was no money to sort the medical bills. Her Husband had abandoned her as soon as Jamiu was born so they never got to meet their father. That day, I made a quiet vow to never leave them behind.
“In 2019, their mum fell critically ill. I held her hand as she cried and asked me to take care of her boys if anything happened to her. I reassured her that she was going to remain alive to see her boys excel. It was a promise I couldn’t keep… Two weeks later, she passed. That day, I became a father.
“They moved in with me. We got them back in school. Jamiu became a chess champion and is currently completing his University education. I’ve watched him grow into a remarkable young man. His brother Ayomide, a track and field star in his final secondary school education year. My heart is full, I’m glad I got to be a part of their story.
“Today, 7 years later… we’re together in America and Jamiu just won the ICN Chess Championship in New York, ahead of 200+ USCF-rated players, and earned a $500 scholarship.
“Continue to Dare greatly and show the world what you’re truly made of. I fought back tears today because I am immensely proud of you.” Onakoya expressed
Through chess, these young ambassadors from underserved Nigerian communities are bridging borders, rewriting narratives, and showcasing the boundless potential of youth when given access and opportunity.
Since its founding, Chess in Slums Africa has equipped hundreds of children in marginalized communities with critical thinking skills, literacy support, and hope—using chess as the entry point.
By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth
Photo credit: X|@Tunde_OD
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