Tunde Onakoya, the chess champion, has paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu.
The president received Onakoya, who recently broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon, at the presidential villa in Abuja, on Monday.
Onakoya also presented his GWR certificate alongside a special chess set to Tinubu.
The president, while sharing pictures of the visit on his X page, described the chess master’s journey as a reflection of “the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth”.
“I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today, where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon,” he wrote.
“Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.
“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide, and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him
“Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”
Onakoya’s visit has, however, stirred reactions on social media.
While some argued that the chess guru should have declined the president’s invitation due to the current state of the club, others supported his visit.
“Tunde Onakoya built his brand on helping kids in the slums, now he’s shaking hands with the same system that put them there. You can’t fight for the people and pose with their oppressors,” an X user wrote.
“So let me understand this. You mean that Tunde Onakoya should have rejected the invitation of his country’s President? He’s not an activist. He’s just a guy who’s doing his bit for his country. Una too dey talk nonsense for this app sha,” another X user added.
“This whole idea of piling on Tunde Onakoya isn’t fresh sha. If you’ve done something worth such honours, changed lives like he’s done, irrespective of your political leanings, you’d be honoured to have an audience with the president/presidency. It’s the most prestigious office,” yet another X user wrote.
See more reactions below:
I thought you all said Tunde Onakoya deserves a national honour, so who exactly is supposed to give it to him? The Local Government Chairman or his Pastor?
Advertisement— Pamilerin Adegoke (@UnclePamilerin) June 10, 2025
Alaye said
‘Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted’
The children Tunde helped, who left them behind??
AdvertisementE je koshi danu fun mi.
— incOGnito™️ (@Lerin_OG) June 10, 2025
You are angry that Tunde Onakoya went to see the president, lool
I must admit at this point that quite a lot of you are sick and need medical attention. TBFH 👿
— Ayòmídé (@Ayomide) June 10, 2025
Giving away a few copies of this book. Please reach out 🙏🏾 https://t.co/YQZrDrz7mA
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) June 10, 2025
They want to make “Tunde Onakoya” their perceived Messiah and freedom fighter so that when the right time comes they will tear him apart like they did Fela and the rest who couldn’t see the handwriting on the wall that “Nigerians are not worth saving”
— Nweke Chukwuemeka (@Pekxans) June 10, 2025
You people deserve BAT tbh. In one swoop, he’s won some public sentiment for inviting and recognising Tunde and given you guys a new target for vitriol.
Leave Tunde Onakoya alone and remember our common enemy!— Lucis Custos (@Sblwlc) June 10, 2025
Learn not to have an opinion about every argument. It’s a sign of wisdom. What concerns you with Tunde Onakoya meeting PBAT?
— Stanley Ezinna, MBA. (@Stazingar) June 10, 2025
Tunde Onakoya’s case presents a classic moral vs ethical dilemma.
Whilst everyone has an opinion on the matter, one thing is certain, 99.9% of Nigerians on Twitter who live in Nigeria or have projects in the country would have honored the invitation.Don’t be hypocrites please
— Mr. ALE𝕏ANDER ✪ (@Dmatterarising) June 10, 2025
Many hot takes flying around about chess master Tunde Onakoya meeting with President Tinubu. While we are at it, let us be gracious enough to remember that Tunde is a philanthropist, not an activist. Tunde is not Mr. Macaroni neither is he Odeluwa, He is Tunde and that’s enough.
— Tired Nigerian now Peter Obi’s Chef 🌹♥️ (@_Mercyknows) June 10, 2025
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