Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa and a Nigerian chess champion, has responded to criticism after his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that his goal is still to empower young people rather than align with politics.
Being recognized by Nigeria’s highest office is neither a criminal nor a political statement, Onakoya, who was recently honored by the City of New York for setting a Guinness World Record, clarified.
Onakoya emphasized in a strongly worded statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday that he had previously declined numerous honors and that he felt it was unjust to be compared to people who had been honored by nations accused of war crimes, calling such comparisons “laughable.”
“I’ll say a few things,” he wrote. I accept all of it: the criticism, the applause, the love, the hate, and the rage. As a world record holder, I have accomplished something that no one else has ever done. The City of New York recently honored and recognized me.
For this reason, it is not a crime to be honored and welcomed by the president and highest office in my own nation. (By the way, it’s not even a national honor.)
“I have turned down numerous honors. It is, at best, absurd to compare myself to those who have been honored and recognized by nations that have committed war crimes.
“Due to the delicate nature of my job, I have no interest in political politics. I would step down as CEO of Chess in Slums Africa if that ever changed.
Onakoya refuted assertions that his organization only succeeds due to poor leadership, stating that the purpose of Chess in Slums Africa is to provide education and dignity to children who have slipped through the social gaps.
He explained that rather than being a charity, the organization uses chess as a transformative instrument to enhance academic performance and foster cognitive development.
“It is untrue to say that poor governance is the main reason chess is played in slums or that it is relevant. The synapses are where our effort truly makes an impact. Chess is being used to enhance academic performance and educate cognition. Since those kids have slipped between the cracks and are unable to attend classes, it is being used as a social intervention tool. This is not a “NGO” or charity, he continued.
We simply elevating the tales of the kids you constantly see on the streets but ignore is what most of you consider to be the most noticeable impact. Putting kids through formal or vocational education and making sure they have the critical thinking skills to think for themselves are the actual impacts here.
My work will always be relevant since I continue to advise with tech businesses and educational institutions worldwide. I will use all of the resources and influence I am given to help the kids who also deserve a place in the world.
“A visit does not imply approval. I’ll continue to sell my chess boards and visit a lot more individuals.
Since all you know about me is what I post on social media, you could not comprehend my motivations or personality. However, character is not the same as reputation. I am positive that I have earned the benefit of the doubt because I have stuck with this one thing for ten long years.
Once more, I accept both the hate and the love. I don’t care for any of it, though. The Chess/STEM institute will be a location where thousands of kids can rekindle their dreams and receive education that will make them productive members of society in ten or two years. All of our current strong beliefs will be undermined by this.
The initiative has never received international grants, according to Onakoya, and a large portion of its impact has come from community support and partnerships, such as an ongoing relationship with the Lagos State Government to rehabilitate street children in neighborhoods like Jakande and Isale Eko.
“Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has ever helped us achieve the amazing work we have done over the past seven years,” he continued. During this time, we have never submitted an application for or been awarded an international grant.
For the past year or so, we have been collaborating with the Lagos State Government to remove children from the streets of Jakande and Isale Eko. One of them just got out of furniture school and is back on the road. We may have different political views, but our common pain is real, and we can all do our part to halt this bleeding, no matter how small. Indeed, we will collaborate with the government to institutionalize and grow this influence so that Tunde is no longer the protagonist. Anyway, it’s your tax.
In response to the criticism, Onakoya emphasized that while online rumors, public acclaim, and criticism were all legitimate, they ultimately had no bearing on his beliefs. He further clarified that visiting public leaders or individuals does not mean that he supports them.
He also emphasized that his service record over the past decade should speak for itself, warning the people not to mistake social media perception for character.
“To conclude, I would say this: my fight is different,” he remarked. I’m not undecided. Ten years ago, I spoke up for the nation I aspire to.
“The fact is that I will do a lot more things that might make you think differently of me, but I know that my heart is in the right place and that I will prioritize the needs and dreams of the kids in any rooms that my vision allows me to enter. The audience of one is all I need to survive.
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