Tunde Onakoya Launches Lagos’ First Chess Innovation Hub, Empowering Underprivileged Children

Lagos has welcomed the launch of the first-ever Chess Innovation Hub, thanks to the vision of Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, in partnership with Lufthansa. The hub aims to provide free access to education and skill-building opportunities for children in Makoko, Yaba, Ebutte Metta, and Surulere.

This milestone reflects Onakoya’s deep commitment to helping children reach their full potential, regardless of their background. “Every child deserves the opportunity to develop their talents,” said Onakoya, underscoring the hub’s purpose of creating a space for children to thrive.

Tunde Onakoya Launches Lagos’ First Chess Innovation Hub, Empowering Underprivileged Children

Programs Offered at the Chess Innovation Hub

The hub offers a variety of educational programs beyond chess, including:

• Coding and Web Development
• Robotics and AI/Machine Learning
• Design Thinking Workshops
• Advanced Chess Training
• Book Reading Clubs

The goal is to reimagine education for children who may have fallen through the cracks of society, providing them with tools for creative problem-solving and self-belief.

Tunde Onakoya Launches Lagos’ First Chess Innovation Hub, Empowering Underprivileged Children

A Journey from Humble Beginnings

Onakoya’s passion project began four years ago in his small, rented apartment in Ikorodu. Without furniture, his living room became an after-school academy, where children were taught critical thinking and internet literacy. That modest initiative planted the seed for what has now grown into a fully-fledged innovation hub.

Recognizing Partners and Supporters

Onakoya expressed gratitude to the Chess in Slums Africa team, his right-hand man, Ainem Ababazi, and board chairman, Tunde Onakoya Esq., for their leadership throughout the project. He emphasized that this hub would not have been possible without the support of community partners, volunteers, and Lufthansa.

A Vision to Expand Across Africa

The Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos is just the beginning. Onakoya envisions building similar hubs across Africa to nurture talent and prepare young people for the future of work. “Our mission is to create spaces where children feel love, belonging, and the confidence to pursue their dreams,” he said.

Written by Boom RadioNG