Tunde Onakoya, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game, has announced plans to organize a chess tournament for children living in displaced persons camps in Maiduguri.
Onakoya revealed his plans during the final day of his three-day visit to Borno, where he promoted chess among children in partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Officers Mess Maiduguri Chess Club.
As the founder of “Chess in Slums in Africa,” which focuses on aiding children in Lagos slums, Onakoya aims to replicate this initiative in Borno.
During his visit to two displaced persons camps in Maiduguri, he was impressed by the children’s intelligence and engaged them in coaching games and lectures.
Onakoya intends for the upcoming tournament to highlight his goal of nurturing a generation of thinkers. He also advocated for the inclusion of chess in school curriculums to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This trip marked Onakoya’s first visit to Northern Nigeria, and he expressed satisfaction in contributing to the intellectual development of vulnerable children with the support of the NAF. Air Commodore C.O. Olayera, Commander of the 105 Composite Group of NAF, praised Onakoya’s efforts and pledged the club’s continued support in reaching out to children in Borno.
