Chess champion Tunde Onakoya reflects on his past struggles and pledges to sponsor a young girl’s education after a viral video moves him
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]uinness World Record holder and chess champion Tunde Onakoya has spoken out about the harsh realities of privilege in Nigeria, drawing from his own struggles to pledge life-changing support for a young girl.
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Onakoya, known for his record-breaking chess marathon and humanitarian work, made the commitment after watching a heartbreaking viral video of a child assisting her mother with menial labour. Expressing his distress, he condemned the public humiliation the woman endured.
“Extremely cruel to humiliate a mother in front of her daughter like this. Even worse that this was recorded and posted on social media,” he stated.
The chess master reflected on his own experiences of poverty, revealing how, in 2016, he helped his mother clean houses and sweep gutters due to their dire financial situation.
“My mother used to sweep people’s houses and gutters in 2016. It hurt too much that I could do nothing financially to stop her.
I often insisted on going with her, just to help fetch the water she needed so we could finish quicker and get back home before daylight. I didn’t want anyone to see us,” he shared.
His story resonates with many Nigerians facing economic hardship, highlighting the struggles of those without financial security.
Moved by the young girl’s situation, Onakoya announced his intention to fully fund her education through university, ensuring she has a chance at a better future.
“If no one has done this already, I would like to take full responsibility for the girl’s education through university. I hope this eases their burden in some way. These are incredibly hard times,” he said.
Beyond his achievements in chess, Onakoya has dedicated himself to uplifting underprivileged children through his Chess in Slums initiative.
On April 20, 2024, he made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game, further solidifying his legacy as both a champion and a humanitarian.
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His latest act of kindness reinforces his commitment to using chess as a tool for social change, proving that true victory lies in transforming lives.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
