Tunde Onakoya Biography: Family,Net Worth, Age, Spouse, Real Name, Career, 2025

Tunde Onakoya Biography: Tunde Onakoya is synonymous with transformation, perseverance, and education through chess. This remarkable man has turned his passion for chess into a tool for social change, inspiring thousands of young minds in Nigeria and across Africa.

With his ongoing efforts, Tunde has built a strong reputation as a skilled chess player and a social entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to uplifting the underprivileged through chess. As of 2025, his hard work and determination have earned him a significant net worth and a position as one of Africa’s most influential people.

This biography explores Tunde Onakoya’s life, diving into his family background, career milestones, net worth, and personal life. From his humble beginnings in Ikorodu, Lagos, to becoming a celebrated social entrepreneur, Tunde’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Read on to learn more about his life, his work, and the incredible impact he continues to have.

Who is Tunde Onakoya?

Tunde Onakoya Biography: Tunde Onakoya, born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria, is a renowned chess player, coach, and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an initiative to empower underprivileged children through chess.

His passion for chess ignited when he was introduced to the game at a local barbershop in his hometown. Overcoming financial struggles and a lack of resources, Tunde dedicated himself to mastering chess and eventually became one of Nigeria’s top players.

Today, Onakoya is recognized for his skills on the chessboard and his philanthropic work. His organization, Chess in Slums Africa, has impacted over 10,000 children, giving them access to education and mentorship. Tunde’s work has earned him international recognition, and he has been featured in major global media outlets such as BBC, Al-Jazeera, and Deutsche Welle.

In 2025, Tunde Onakoya’s net worth is estimated to be impressive, thanks to his success in chess and philanthropic efforts. His wealth, while a reflection of his achievements, is a tiny part of his legacy. The real value of his work lies in the positive change he has brought to communities across Africa.

Tunde Onakoya’s Family and Early Life

Tunde’s journey to success didn’t come easy. Born in the bustling town of Ikorodu, Lagos, Tunde grew up in a modest family. His mother worked as a cleaner to ensure her children received an education. Despite the financial challenges, Tunde was always determined to succeed. Chess entered his life at a young age, sparking an interest that would soon become his life’s passion.

His humble beginnings, however, didn’t hold him back. Instead, they motivated Tunde to push forward and break the cycle of poverty. Tunde’s family, especially his mother, played an essential role in shaping his character and determination.

Even though his family didn’t have much, their unwavering support fueled his ambition to achieve great things.

Tunde is also known for being close to his family, particularly his mother. Tunde has often mentioned her sacrifices to ensure he received an education in his interviews. He frequently credits his rise to success to the strong foundation laid by his family, especially his mother’s tireless efforts to help him pursue his dreams.

Tunde Onakoya’s Career and Achievements

Tunde’s career in chess began when he was introduced to the game in a local barbershop in Ikorodu. It was here that his passion for chess was sparked. Despite lacking resources, Tunde’s innate talent and determination allowed him to improve his chess skills rapidly. He soon became a competitive player and started participating in local chess tournaments.

Through sheer grit and relentless practice, Tunde earned his place as one of the top chess players in Nigeria. By the time he was in his late teens, he had climbed to the 13th rank in the country, a remarkable feat considering his lack of formal training and resources. His rise through the ranks of Nigerian chess was just the beginning of what would become an extraordinary career.

In 2018, Tunde took a monumental step by founding Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization that uses chess for social change. The initiative provides educational opportunities to children living in impoverished communities. Tunde has instilled essential life skills, such as problem-solving, patience, and strategic thinking, by teaching these children how to play chess.

Since its founding, Chess in Slums Africa has positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 children across Nigeria and other parts of Africa. The organization has also provided scholarships to 500 children, offering them the chance to receive quality education and change the trajectory of their lives. Tunde’s work has earned him international recognition and has made him a respected figure in the global chess community.

In 2024, Tunde set a Guinness World Record by playing chess for over 60 consecutive hours in Times Square, New York. This incredible feat showcased his dedication and endurance and helped raise funds for African educational initiatives. His world record attempt garnered significant attention and further solidified his status as a global ambassador for social change through chess.

Tunde has also been a sought-after speaker, appearing at global platforms like TEDx and the Oxford Africa Conference. His talks, which emphasize the power of chess in transforming lives, have inspired audiences worldwide. In 2023, Tunde was honored as one of the 100 Most Impactful Africans by Ranks Africa, a testament to his incredible work and the lasting impact he continues to make.

Tunde Onakoya’s Personal Life: Spouse and Relationships

While Tunde Onakoya’s professional life is well-documented, his personal life remains relatively private. He has not publicly shared details about his romantic relationships or marital status. However, what is known is that Tunde has dedicated his life to his mission of using chess to uplift underprivileged children, and his personal life has often taken a backseat to his work.

Despite the absence of information on a spouse or partner, Tunde’s deep commitment to his cause is evident. His sacrifices have been focused on making a difference in the lives of others, particularly children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. This commitment to his mission has earned him the admiration and respect of many across the globe.

Tunde Onakoya’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Tunde Onakoya’s net worth is estimated to be substantial, with a significant portion of his wealth stemming from his work with Chess in Slums Africa and his success as a chess player. However, his net worth is not the primary focus of his work. His wealth has allowed him to expand his initiatives and provide more opportunities for children in Africa. Still, Tunde remains more concerned with the impact of his work rather than financial gain.

His growing influence, both as a chess player and a social entrepreneur, continues to open new doors for him. Tunde’s philanthropic efforts, global recognition, and contributions to the chess community have ensured his legacy will be felt for many years.

Conclusion: Tunde Onakoya’s Legacy and Future

Tunde Onakoya’s biography is one of inspiration and determination. From a young boy growing up in a disadvantaged community in Ikorodu to becoming a globally recognized chess player and social entrepreneur, Tunde has proven that anything is possible with hard work, passion, and the right mindset.

Through Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde continues to make a significant impact by changing the lives of children in underserved communities across Africa. His work demonstrates that education, combined with strategic thinking and life skills, can break the cycle of poverty and offer a brighter future.

As of 2025, Tunde’s influence continues to grow, and his legacy is firmly cemented in chess and social entrepreneurship. His work has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and to use their skills and resources to make a positive difference in the world.

If you want to learn more about Tunde Onakoya’s journey or want to support his mission, check out Chess in Slums Africa and stay updated on his upcoming initiatives. Tunde’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and the power of education, and it is a story that continues to inspire people all over the world.

Call to Action:

If Tunde Onakoya’s incredible journey inspired you and you want to contribute to his mission, visit the Chess in Slums Africa website today to learn more about how you can get involved. Every donation, no matter how small, helps empower children in Africa and allows them to change their lives. Together, we can make a difference.