Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has responded to criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that his focus remains on empowering youth rather than engaging in politics.
Onakoya, who was recently honoured by the City of New York after setting a Guinness World Record, clarified that being recognised by Nigeria’s highest office is neither a political statement nor a wrongdoing.
In a strong statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, he rejected comparisons to individuals awarded by countries accused of war crimes, calling such parallels “laughable.” He wrote:
“I embrace all reactions—anger, hate, love, applause, and criticism. I am a world record holder, having achieved something unique globally. Being honoured by the President and the highest office in my country is not a crime—it’s not even a national honour. I have declined many awards in the past. Comparing me to those recognised by countries with records of war crimes is, at best, laughable. I have no interest in partisan politics because of the sensitive nature of my work. If that changes, I will resign as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa.”
Onakoya dismissed claims that Chess in Slums Africa exists only due to poor governance, explaining the organisation’s mission to restore dignity and provide education to children who have been neglected by society. He stressed that chess is used as a tool to boost cognitive development and improve academic performance, not as charity but as a transformational intervention.
He added:
“The idea that our work thrives only because of bad governance is inaccurate. Our real impact is in building critical thinking skills. We use chess to teach cognition and improve learning outcomes. We work with children who have fallen through the cracks and often cannot attend formal schools. This is not charity or just an NGO. The tangible impact you see is us dignifying the stories of children you often ignore on the streets. The deeper impact is equipping them to think independently and access formal or vocational education.”
Onakoya noted his ongoing collaboration with educational institutions and tech companies worldwide and promised to use his influence to continue serving vulnerable children.
“A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and continue selling my chess boards,” he said.
He urged people not to mistake social media impressions for his true character, stressing his decade-long commitment to this cause.
“Reputation is not character. Ten years of dedication have earned me the benefit of the doubt. I embrace both love and hate, but I care for neither. In time, the Chess/STEM institute we are building will be a place where thousands of children dream and receive education that makes them valuable to the world. Opinions today will fade in the face of this reality.”
Onakoya also revealed that Chess in Slums Africa has never received international grants, relying instead on partnerships and community support, including ongoing work with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate street children in areas such as Jakande and Isale Eko.
“We have been working with the Lagos State Government for about a year now to remove kids from the streets. One recently graduated from furniture school and is rebuilding his life. Our shared pain is real, and while we may disagree politically, lives are at stake. We all have a role to play to stop this crisis. Yes, we will partner with government to scale and institutionalise this work—so that I stop being the hero. It’s your tax, anyway.”
Finally, Onakoya affirmed that public reactions—whether praise or criticism—do not sway his convictions. He urged the public to separate online perceptions from reality and called on his decade of service as proof of his commitment.
“My fight is different. I took a stand ten years ago for the country I want. I will continue doing things that may challenge your views of me, but my heart is in the right place. Wherever my vision takes me, the dreams and needs of children come first. I live for the audience of one—and that is enough.”