Nigeria’s chess champion and humanitarian, Tunde Onakoya. Has shared a deeply emotional story that highlights the power of mentorship, resilience, and love. Onakoya, known for using chess to transform the lives of underprivileged children, recently celebrated a major milestone. His adopted son, Jamiu, has become a chess champion in the United States.
In 2018, Onakoya met two brothers, Jamiu and Ayomide, in Majidun, Ikorodu, a slum community in Lagos. At the time, Jamiu was a curious and intelligent boy working as a roadside mechanic. Onakoya invited him and his younger brother to his weekend Chess Academy for Slum Kids. A project aimed at empowering children through chess and education.
Their bond quickly grew stronger, leading Onakoya to visit their home, where he met their mother. She was a resilient woman who had lost her leg in an accident while scavenging for plastic to support her family. With no funds for medical treatment and having been abandoned by her husband, she struggled to provide for her sons.
In 2019, their mother fell seriously ill. Before passing away, she made one final request to Onakoya—to take care of her boys. Two weeks later, she passed away, and Onakoya stepped in, keeping his promise. He took the boys in, enrolled them back in school, and began raising them as his own.
Years of dedication paid off. Jamiu not only returned to school but also thrived in chess. He is now a university student and recently made headlines by winning the ICN Chess Championship in New York. Defeating over 200 USCF-rated players and earning a $500 scholarship.
Ayomide, his younger brother, has also found his path and is currently excelling in athletics. Preparing for his final year of secondary school.
Sharing the news on Instagram. Tunde Onakoya wrote,“Today, my heart is overwhelmed with a joy words can barely hold. I fought back tears today because I am immensely proud of you. Mama Jamiu, your boys are doing well. I kept my promise. I always will.”
This touching story not only highlights Jamiu’s success. It also reflects Onakoya’s enduring commitment to giving hope to those who need it most.
