Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach, and philanthropist who has gained international recognition for his remarkable initiative, “Chess in Slums Africa.” He is celebrated for using the game of chess to inspire, educate, and empower children living in underprivileged communities across Africa.
Tunde’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and compassion — a journey from the slums of Lagos to becoming a global inspiration. This article explores Tunde Onakoya’s biography, age, career, wife, siblings, cars, house, and net worth.
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Early Life and Education
Tunde Onakoya was born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a low-income community where access to quality education and opportunities was limited. Despite the tough environment, Tunde’s curiosity and intelligence stood out from a young age.
He discovered chess at a local barbershop in Lagos when he was just a boy. What started as a hobby soon became his life-changing passion. Through perseverance and determination, Tunde learned and mastered the game without formal training, proving that greatness can come from even the most unexpected places.
Tunde attended Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), where he studied Computer Science and also represented the school in various chess tournaments. His time at YABATECH was a turning point, as he began teaching chess to others and realizing how powerful the game could be in changing lives.
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Tunde Onakoya’s Age
Tunde Onakoya was born on October 6, 1994, which makes him 31 years old in 2025. Despite his relatively young age, he has achieved global recognition and impacted thousands of lives through his foundation.
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Career and Achievements
Tunde’s journey to global fame began when he founded Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) in 2018. The organization focuses on teaching chess, literacy, and life skills to children from impoverished communities in Nigeria and beyond.
The project started small — with just a few kids under a bridge in Lagos — but has now grown into a large initiative reaching thousands of children across several African countries.
Through Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde has helped many children gain scholarships, international exposure, and life-changing opportunities. His belief that “a pawn can become a king” reflects his mission to empower the less privileged to dream big and rise beyond their circumstances.
Major Career Milestones:
• Founder, Chess in Slums Africa (2018)
• Winner of multiple national chess tournaments in Nigeria
• Recognized by international media outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera
• Spoke at the United Nations and several global youth empowerment events
• World Record Holder (2024) – Tunde broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing chess for over 60 hours non-stop in New York’s Times Square to raise awareness for education in Africa.
Tunde has become a symbol of hope, proving that chess can be a tool for education, transformation, and social impact.
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Tunde Onakoya’s Wife
As of 2025, Tunde Onakoya is not married. He has managed to keep his personal and romantic life private, focusing mainly on his career and humanitarian work.
In interviews, Tunde has stated that his life’s mission is currently centered on giving back to society and transforming the lives of young Africans. However, he has expressed hope of settling down when the right time comes.
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Tunde Onakoya’s Siblings and Family
Tunde Onakoya was born into a modest family in Lagos. His parents worked hard to make ends meet, and their sacrifices inspired him to become who he is today.
Although he doesn’t talk much about his family, Tunde has occasionally mentioned his younger siblings, describing them as his motivation to keep pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for others.
He has also expressed deep appreciation for his mother, who supported his education despite financial struggles. His family continues to be a source of strength in his journey.
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Tunde Onakoya’s Cars
Despite his fame and global recognition, Tunde Onakoya lives a modest lifestyle. He is not known for flaunting luxury cars or material possessions on social media.
However, he reportedly owns a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus ES 350, which he uses for his travels and project work. His simplicity and humility have made him a role model for many young Nigerians.
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Tunde Onakoya’s House
Tunde Onakoya currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria, where he coordinates most of his charity projects. Although details about his house are not public, sources suggest that he lives in a comfortable apartment in the city.
Unlike many celebrities, Tunde does not showcase his personal properties online, preferring instead to use his platform to raise awareness for the less privileged.
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Tunde Onakoya’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Tunde Onakoya’s estimated net worth is around $700,000 (₦950 million). His earnings come from various sources including:
• Donations and sponsorships for Chess in Slums Africa
• Public speaking engagements and conferences around the world
• Brand endorsements and partnerships with educational institutions and tech companies
• Media appearances and documentaries
However, a large portion of his income goes back into his charity work. Tunde Onakoya has repeatedly said that his goal is not personal wealth, but creating impact and opportunities for African children.
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Awards and Recognitions
Tunde Onakoya’s remarkable work has earned him several awards and recognitions both locally and internationally, including:
• Future Awards Africa Prize for Community Action
• CNN Hero Nominee
• Recognition from the Nigerian Government and Lagos State
• Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 (2024)
His Guinness World Record in 2024 further solidified his place as one of Africa’s most inspirational young leaders.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Tunde Onakoya?
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach, and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an initiative that empowers underprivileged children through chess and education.
2. How old is Tunde Onakoya?
He is 31 years old as of 2025, born on October 6, 1994.
3. Is Tunde Onakoya married?
No, he is currently not married.
4. What is Tunde Onakoya’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $700,000 (₦950 million) as of 2025.
5. What car does Tunde Onakoya drive?
He reportedly owns a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus ES 350.
6. What is Tunde Onakoya known for?
He is best known for founding Chess in Slums Africa and for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in 2024.
7. Where is Tunde Onakoya from?
He hails from Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
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Conclusion
Tunde Onakoya’s life is a powerful story of determination, intelligence, and compassion. From growing up in the slums to inspiring the world through chess, his journey proves that greatness is not determined by where you start, but by how far you’re willing to go.
His humility, intelligence, and dedication to humanity make him one of Nigeria’s most respected young icons. Tunde Onakoya continues to make Africa proud — one move at a time.
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