By Ghazali Ibrahim 
A young Nigerian chess prodigy, Jamiu from Ikorodu, Lagos, has made history by winning a gold medal at the United Nations Games in New York.
Jamiu, who was trained by renowned chess coach and Guinness Record Breaker, Tunde Onakoya, defeated a Russian opponent in a thrilling match to claim the top prize.
According to Tunde Onakoya, who shared the exciting news on X, Jamiyu’s victory is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication to the game.
“I discovered Jamiyu in 2018 while he was working as a mechanic and invited him to my weekend chess academy,” Onakoya said.
“Under my guidance, Jamiyu’s skills flourished, and he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.”
Jamiyu’s win is a significant achievement for Nigerian chess and a source of pride for the country.
The young chess champion’s victory is also a testament to the impact of Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Initiative, which aims to provide educational opportunities to underprivileged children in Africa through chess.
Onakoya’s initiative has received recognition and accolades, including the Future Awards Africa prize for Community Action and the Business Insider Award for Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
The initiative has also raised over ₦50 million to educate 1 million African children.
Jamiyu’s gold medal win is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and the right support.
His achievement is sure to inspire many young Nigerians to pursue their passions and strive for excellence.
