Tunde Onakoya, a social entrepreneur and chess expert, has been recognised as the first African to win the esteemed Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact in Barcelona, Spain.
Onakoya, the creator of Chess in Slums Africa, announced the news on X and expressed his sincere appreciation for the global acknowledgement of his efforts to uplift kids from underprivileged backgrounds by teaching and mentoring them in chess.
The National Chess Master said in his article that he shared one of his favourite inspirational tales—the tale of the little hummingbird battling a massive forest fire—during the acceptance moment.
Onakoya wrote,
“Deeply honoured to be recognized in Barcelona, Spain, as the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact.
“I used the moment to share one of my favorite stories of the little hummingbird against the great forest fire”.
Tunde Onakoya was born in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, and came from humble beginnings to become a national chess champion and a worldwide renowned advocate for chess as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and social reform among street children.
Through his non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, he has impacted thousands of underprivileged children, giving them access to quality education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities they might never have had otherwise.
Onakoya’s latest achievement adds to his growing list of recognitions, further highlighting his innovative efforts and continuing to inspire hope across Africa and beyond.
