By Olatunde Marolan
Like corks trapped at the bottom of the ocean they rose to the top.
Five Nigerian youngsters battled their way out of shantytowns to claim international acclaim at the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference in Athens, Georgia. Their journey—from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps of Adamawa and the Makoko slum in Lagos — to global fame illustrates the OTHER Nigeria: a nation able and willing to grab education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Spearheaded by Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, this remarkable story underscores how chess, a game of strategy and intellect, can empower children to rewrite their futures.
Triumph Over Adversity
The five challengers—Jamiu Ninilowo Boluwatifem, Ferdinand Maumo, Mary Victor Zira, Ivie Urieto, and Mabel John—faced daunting barriers.
Jamiu, who lost his mother and was abandoned by his father, found solace and strength in chess. His exceptional performance at the conference earned him the title of the tournament’s best player, a gold medal, and a $500 scholarship for an inspiring essay and speech on global citizenship.
Ferdinand Maumo, born with cerebral palsy in the Makoko slum, overcame social shunning to claim the Young Genius Award, presented by actor Khary Payton. His story moved Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, to say, “His story is a reminder of what’s possible when every child is given the right to a life of opportunities with dignity.”
Mary Victor Zira and Ivie Urieto, both survivors of conflict and displacement in Adamawa’s IDP camps, showcased their grit by securing silver medals and $100 prizes in the middle school championship. Mary’s journey resonated deeply. “Forgotten in an IDP camp just six months ago, to winning a silver medal… This is what dreams are made of,” said Onakoya. Mabel John, hailing from the slums of Ikorodu, emerged as a fierce competitor, her radiant spirit embodying the untapped potential within every child.
Remarkably, the Nigerian team completed the tournament without a single loss, a testament to their preparation and determination. Their victories were not just personal triumphs but a collective statement of resilience, proving that circumstance does not define capability.
Chess in Slums: A Beacon of Hope.
The driving force behind this success is Tunde Onakoya, whose organization, Chess in Slums Africa, has transformed the lives of over 200 children since its inception in 2018. Onakoya views chess as more than a game—it’s a tool for fostering critical thinking, patience, and self-belief. By introducing chess to children in underserved communities, he provides them with skills that transcend the board, equipping them for life’s broader challenges.
Vivian Ibrahim, founder of the Chess in IDP Initiative, discovered Mary in Adamawa’s IDP camp and witnessed her meteoric rise. “Who would have thought that a child born in an IDP camp would gain global recognition?” Ibrahim said. “Mary’s success will inspire us to do more for the other kids in our program.”
A Global Stage at the United Nations
The team’s achievements reverberated far beyond Georgia, earning them an invitation to the United Nations headquarters in New York City on April 2, 2025. At the opening ceremony of the United Nations Games, Onakoya delivered a keynote address alongside sports icons such as Manny Pacquiao and Giorgio Chiellini. He spoke passionately about chess as a universal language that transcends barriers of race, class, and disability.
In a defining moment, Mary took the stage, delivering a heartfelt speech that earned a standing ovation. Her courage symbolized the core of Onakoya’s mission: to empower children to find their voices and claim their place in the world. The UN platform amplified their story, showcasing the potential of initiatives such as Chess in Slums Africa and The Gift of Chess to foster belonging and purpose.
Breaking Records and Building Futures
The U.S. tour culminated in a historic feat: Onakoya, partnered with U.S. National Master Shawn Martinez, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing for 64 hours in New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to April 20, 2025. Surpassing the previous record of 61 hours, the event raised funds for Chess in Slums Africa and Onakoya’s ambitious goal to build Nigeria’s largest tuition-free school for homeless children. “We did the impossible and gave the world something to believe in,” Onakoya shared.
The U.S. Mission Nigeria celebrated the achievement, stating, “Tunde’s incredible feat is more than a game—it sends a powerful message of hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.” The marathon, livestreamed and witnessed by crowds, underscored the global resonance of Onakoya’s mission.
A Call to Action
The journey of Jamiu, Ferdinand, Mary, Ivie, and Mabel are a clarion call to action. It challenges governments, organizations, and individuals to invest in the untapped potential of marginalized communities. Onakoya’s work demonstrates that targeted interventions—rooted in education and opportunity—can yield profound results. By supporting initiatives such as Chess in Slums Africa, stakeholders can uplift individuals and enrich the global community with diverse talents and perspectives.
The odyssey of these Nigerian youths is more than a success story; it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit. From the slums of Lagos to the halls of the United Nations, they have shown that genius knows no boundaries. Their triumphs remind us that with the right support, every child can navigate their way to greatness.
As the world celebrates their achievements, the message is clear: opportunity is the key to unlocking potential. By investing in education and mentorship, we can empower countless more children to rise above adversity and shine on the global stage. The legacy of Tunde Onakoya and his young champions will inspire generations to come, proving that even in the face of hardship, dreams can become reality.
Olatunde Marolan is a feature writer for TruthNigeria.com
