Young Nigerian chess players from Chess in Slums, a non-governmental organization founded by chess master Tunde Onakoya, have won several awards at the 12th Annual Chess & Community Conference in the United States.
The event, held on Saturday, celebrated the outstanding skills of these children, who competed without losing a single game. One of the players, Ferdinand, won the Young Genius Award for his performance. The award was presented by American actor Khary Payton, known for his role in ‘The Walking Dead.’
Jamiu was named the best player of the tournament, earning a gold medal and a $500 scholarship for his inspiring essay and speech on global citizenship. Another team member, Ivie, won a silver medal and a $100 prize in the middle school championship.
The Chess & Community Conference, themed “Future Forward: Game Changers,” brought together young minds to explore the connection between strategic thinking and technology. The event featured chess competitions, virtual reality innovations, robotics contests, and a special “Kids vs Police” chess challenge to promote unity and learning.
Onakoya, who has dedicated his life to helping underprivileged children through chess, expressed great pride in the team’s achievements. He highlighted Ferdinand’s journey, noting that despite living with cerebral palsy, he defeated a highly rated U.S. Chess Federation player.
“We are in the lead! I’m so proud,” Onakoya shared on social media.
Before their departure to the U.S., Onakoya shared emotional stories about the players, emphasizing the struggles they have overcome.
“Ferdinand, a differently-abled child living with cerebral palsy, was once bullied in his community. He was born to a poor fisherman in the largest floating slum in the world. But when he plays chess, the world stands still,” he wrote.
He also spoke about Mary, who survived an attack by Boko Haram and lived in an IDP camp; Mabel, who once lacked access to education but is now a strong chess player with dreams of becoming a doctor; and Jamiu, who was abandoned by his father, lost his mother, and experienced homelessness before rising to become one of the best young chess players in Nigeria.
“These children have braved all odds to be here today, representing others like them who have been told they were invisible,” Onakoya added.
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The Chess in Slums team is currently in the U.S. for the Chess and Community Ubuntu Cultural Exchange, where they will compete in Athens, Georgia, New York City, and Harvard University.
