To our beloved Naija🇳🇬🇳🇬,
We understand some have faced difficulties using the donation link. Please consider utilizing the following account details for your donations:
NAIRA ACCOUNT
0089938330
Sterling Bank
Chess In Slums Initiative Donation
Your generosity and unwavering support are deeply appreciated ❤️
Please help spread the word🙌🏽
#Tunde58hoursofChess #ChessMarathonForChange #TundeOnakoya @tunde_onakoya@thegiftofchess
On this International Day of the Boy Child, we join the global community in reflecting on a truth that is often overlooked but urgent: boys don’t just grow, they bloom and thrive when they are intentionally nurtured, guided, and given space to become.
At CISA, we understand that every boy carries within him potential shaped not only by talent but also by environment. A boy who is heard learns confidence. A boy who is guided learns discipline. A boy who is trusted learns responsibility. And a boy who is intentionally supported learns how to turn possibility into purpose.
Too often, young boys are expected to “figure it out” without the structures that help them do so in healthy ways. But thriving does not happen by chance. It is created and built through safe spaces where expression is encouraged, through opportunities that stretch their abilities and consistent mentorship that reminds them that their growth matters.
To bloom is to be seen beyond behaviour and into potential. To thrive is to be equipped not just for survival, but for impact. This is why intentional investment in boys is not optional; it is foundational to building stronger families, communities, and futures.
Today, we celebrate every boy who is learning, unlearning, and growing into who he is meant to be. We also reaffirm our commitment to continue creating environments where boys are not limited by circumstance, but empowered by opportunity to flourish.
Happy International Day of the Boy Child
🎤: @peacemyks
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya #internationaldayoftheboychild
Over the last weekend, we had our first Town Hall Meeting of the year with our incredible volunteers. It was a beautiful and refreshing experience connecting with our game changers; sharing conversations, reflections, and renewed passion for the work we do together.
One of the highlights of the meeting was hearing from our Convener, who reminded us of the power of collaboration and the importance of collective effort in creating lasting impact. It was a moment that reinforced why we do what we do and how much can be achieved when people come together for a shared mission.
To every one of our game changers, we can’t thank you enough for your selfless commitment and unwavering support in helping us carry on the mission of unveiling royalty in every child.
A special appreciation also goes to our Volunteer Management Team for putting together such an incredible experience and creating a memorable moment for everyone present.
We definitely cannot wait to host the next one!
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya
Tunde Onakoya @tunde_onakoya is a Nigerian chess master and coach, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game. He has impacted so many young leaders. He is the Founder of Chess in Slums Africa @chessinslums
His work is about closing that gap using chess. In his own words: “Our lives are bridges, but we must find where to anchor them. I have found mine. I hope you find yours too, dreamer.”
#DefinedByDeeds #TundeOnakoya #ChessInSlumsAfrica #AfricanExcellence #menwholift
STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS!!! 🏆✨
In 2025, we finished second.
In 2026, we are coming home with GOLD!!! 🥇♟️
Chess Champions from Makoko!! Proving once again that talent is everywhere!
Congratulations to our incredible children and coaches @peterovski_ and @afordchessacademy on becoming the latest winners of the Primary Schools Ecobank National Schools Team Chess Championship! 👏🏾
#ChessinSlumsAfrica #EcobankNationalSchoolsTeamChessChampionship2026 #GoldWinners @ecobank_nigeria
At the ongoing @ecobank_nigeria Chess Championship for Primary Schools:
♟️ 141 schools
♟️ 700+ students
And our champions hold the highest FIDE ratings across the entire tournament:
🏆 11-year-old Augustine — 1821
🏆 11-year-old Edwin — 1747
🏆 11-year-old ThankGod — 1659
With 5 rounds played out of 6, Chess in Slums Africa sits proudly at the top of the table.
All five of our representatives at the tournament are from Makoko, rewriting the narrative, one move at a time 📌
#ChessinSlumsAfrica #EcobankNationalSchoolsTeamChessChampionship2026
As this chapter comes to a close, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate an incredible group of individuals, our outgoing interns and corps members at CISA.
You showed up with a willingness to learn and in return, you left behind value. We appreciate the support you brought and the excellence you pursued, even when faced with new or unfamiliar challenges.
As you step into the next phase of your journey, we are confident that the skills, experiences, and insights you’ve gained here will serve as a strong foundation. More importantly, we hope you carry with you the spirit of impact, service, and growth that defines CISA.
Thank you for being part of our story. We are proud of you, and we’ll be cheering you on as you write the next chapters of yours.
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya
Our champions are gearing up for the @ecobank_nigeria National Schools’ Team Chess Championship 2026, one of the largest and most competitive school chess tournaments in the country.
Last year, our teams delivered remarkable performances. Our primary school team secured an impressive 2nd place finish in a field of over 190 schools and 900 participants. Our secondary school team followed closely, finishing 4th, while our tertiary team held their own against some of the most formidable players in the nation, earning a place in the top 10.
This year, the goal is clear: gold. And our champions have been putting in the work, showing discipline, focus, and resilience as they prepare to rise to the challenge.
A special thank you to our dedicated chess instructors, whose commitment and guidance continue to shape these young talents into true competitors.
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya
As you close this chapter with us, we celebrate the impact you’ve made as Head of Programs @ayodele.craftsman .
Your time with us has been defined by commitment and an unwavering drive to create meaningful impact. On behalf of the entire CISA team, thank you for your service, your leadership, and the impact you have made.
We wish you continued success in your next chapter.
Cheers to Day 1 ❤️
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya
We cannot tell the story of Chess in Slums Africa without the Majidun community.
What began with a single chessboard and a group of dreamers teaching chess every saturday in the Baale's Palace in Majidun has grown into a movement redefining what is possible for children accross the globe.
Over the years, we have remained committed to mentoring and supporting children in the community through scholarships and other transformative programs.
Today, children like Jamiu, Mabel, Favour, and Micheal stand as ambassadors of that vision, boldly pursuing their dreams and inspiring others to do the same.
Years later, the impact continues to grow across the community. We are deeply grateful to the Baale for the recognition and unwavering support over the years, and we remain committed to walking this journey together.
This moment is a reminder of how far we’ve come from a simple gathering to a force creating opportunities and changing lives. And more importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to keep nurturing dreams and expanding impact in Majidun and beyond.
#ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya
