Chess in Slums Africa launched a chess innovation hub in Lagos on Tuesday. The hub, made possible through a partnership with Lufthansa, is aimed at nurturing creativity in children from underprivileged areas like Makoko, Yaba, Ebutte Metta, and Surulere.
It will offer programs in coding, robotics, AI, design, and chess. “Today, one of my greatest dreams came to life,” the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, said.
Reflecting on his early days, the chess champion recounted a pivotal moment after moving into his first rented apartment in Ikorodu, where he couldn’t afford furniture. Instead of viewing it as a setback, he saw an opportunity. In that empty living room, he created a space where children could come after school to learn web development, use the internet, and sharpen their critical thinking skills. “It was humble,” he said, “but it was the seed of a much larger dream.”
“It’s difficult to find the words to express just how much this moment means to me personally and to everyone who has walked this journey with us.”
