Tunde Onakoya is a chess educator and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, who uses the game as a tool for transformation. He works with children from underserved communities, teaching them strategy, confidence and problem-solving using chess. His approach combines mentorship with access, creating real opportunities for young people.
He is being honoured for setting the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing for more than sixty-four hours. The attempt doubled as a powerful fundraising effort for his education work. His marathon turned global attention toward the children he is committed to uplifting.