By Ghazali Ibrahim 
Nigerian chess champion and Guinness World Record Holder, Tunde Onakoya has addressed the wave of public criticism following his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, clarifying that the meeting was not a political endorsement but a strategic step to advance his work with vulnerable children.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page, Onakoya acknowledged the mixed reactions, ranging from admiration to anger but emphasized that his commitment to Chess in Slums Africa, the non-profit he founded, remains apolitical and focused on empowering underserved children through education and critical thinking.
“The anger, the hate, the love, the applause, the criticism — all of it is valid, and I embrace it,” he wrote.
“To be honoured and received by the President and the highest office in my own country for this reason is not a crime.”
Onakoya, who recently set a world record for the longest chess marathon and was honoured by the City of New York, said his engagement with Tinubu was an opportunity to push forward a broader vision which include the creation of a Chess/STEM institute that would provide education and hope to thousands of children across Nigeria.
He also highlighted the measurable impact of his work which are taking children off the streets and transitioning them into formal or vocational education.
Onakoya reiterated that Chess in Slums Africa is not simply charity work but a movement using chess as a cognitive development tool to shape future leaders.
“The real impact here is ensuring they have the critical capacity to think for themselves and putting them through formal or vocational education,” he wrote.
“This is not charity or an ‘NGO’ feel-good story. It is long-term human investment.”
Addressing concerns about political alignment, Onakoya maintained his nonpartisan stance and stressed that collaborating with the government including the Lagos State government, which he’s worked with over the past year is necessary to scale the impact of his work.
“A visit is not an endorsement. I will visit many more people and will continue to sell my chessboards,” he added.
While acknowledging the skepticism of some Nigerians, Onakoya urged the public to focus on the lives being changed rather than assumptions about his intentions.
He noted that Chess in Slums has not received any international grants in its seven-year journey, underscoring its grassroots integrity.
“My fight is different. I’m not on the fence. I took a stand 10 years ago for the country I want to see,” he said.
“In a decade or two, the Chess/STEM institute will stand, and it will be a place where thousands of children will dream again.”
