By Gwurld4026 
Tunde Onakoya: Transforming Lives of Two Adopted Brothers
Tunde Onakoya, a renowned Nigerian chess master and founder of the “Chess in Slums Africa” initiative, has profoundly impacted the lives of several children through his compassionate actions. In 2020, he adopted three orphaned children who had recently lost their mother under tragic circumstances. She had suffered an accident while scavenging for plastic, leading to the amputation of her leg. Unfortunately, she was transfused with HIV-positive blood and subsequently passed away in Onakoya’s arms, entrusting him with the care of her children as her dying wish.
Demonstrating unwavering commitment, Onakoya embraced the responsibility of fatherhood at the age of 26. He has since provided these children with a nurturing home environment and access to quality education. His dedication has not only transformed their lives but also serves as a testament to the profound impact of empathy and support in altering the trajectories of underprivileged youths.
Beyond these three, Onakoya’s altruism extends to other children in similar circumstances. For instance, he encountered a young boy in the slums of Ikorodu who was collecting scrap to survive. Moved by his plight, Onakoya adopted him, offering a stable home and enrolling him in school. Reflecting on this journey, Onakoya shared:
“About a year ago, I found this little boy in the slums of Ikorodu picking scrap from the floor. I adopted him and he has lived with me ever since then. Today is his first day at school.”
Through his “Chess in Slums Africa” initiative, Onakoya has reached over 300 children, securing lifelong scholarships for 30 of them. His efforts underscore the transformative power of education and mentorship in breaking the cycle of poverty.
