Nigerian chess advocate and social entrepreneur Tunde Onakoya has achieved a historic milestone after becoming the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact. The award was presented in Barcelona, recognising his transformative work in underserved communities.
The Lideramos Youth Award celebrates young leaders across the world who are driving meaningful social change. Onakoya’s recognition marks a significant moment, not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole.
Onakoya is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering children in disadvantaged communities through chess and education. Since its inception, the initiative has helped thousands of children gain access to learning opportunities, mentorship, and scholarships, using chess as a tool to build critical thinking and life skills.
His journey from growing up in a modest environment in Lagos to becoming an internationally recognised changemaker has been widely celebrated as a story of resilience and purpose. Through his work, Onakoya has consistently advocated for education as a pathway out of poverty, positioning chess as more than just a game but a vehicle for social transformation.
In addition to his social impact work, Tunde Onakoya gained global attention for his record-breaking chess marathon in New York City in 2024, where he played continuously for over 60 hours in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Records title. The feat was aimed at raising funds and awareness for his initiative, further amplifying his mission to support underserved children through education.
While accepting the award, Onakoya spoke about the importance of small, consistent efforts in creating large-scale change, reinforcing the philosophy that has guided his work over the years.
