Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has met with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In April, Guinness World Records honored Onakoya for his remarkable achievement of playing chess continuously for 64 hours.
He accomplished this feat alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez in New York City’s Times Square, between April 17 and April 20, 2025.
Atiku posted photos of their meeting on X on Monday.
He expressed admiration for Onakoya’s accomplishment and the impact of his work.
“I had a great time meeting with Tunde Onakoya, @Tunde_OD. He shared with me the inspiring journey he’s been on for the past ten years, using chess as a powerful tool to transform the lives of children in slum communities.”
Through his work, he’s helped many of them out of the slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors.”
Atiku said Tunde Onakoya spoke passionately about his vision to establish the largest chess institute in the world.
He recalled Onakoya’s words, “Talent is universal, but opportunity is not.”
The former Vice President stated that he has committed to backing Onakoya’s initiatives and assisting in turning that dream into reality.
He also commended the chessboard Onakoya presented to him, featuring traditional ‘Adire’ designs, describing it as a “work of art.”
Atiku also shared that Onakoya invited him to his birthday festivities scheduled for later this year.
