In a country teeming with stories of resilience and innovation, Tunde Onakoya’s journey stands out as a powerful narrative of hope and transformation.
Born and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos, Tunde turned to chess as a source of strategy and possibility, eventually becoming a renowned chess master and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge as the face of MTN Nigeria’s groundbreaking campaign, Go M.A.D (Go Make A Difference).
Unveiled on January 22, 2025, at MTN Plaza in Lagos, the Go M.A.D. campaign seeks to inspire Nigerians to make intentional moves toward meaningful impact. At its core, the campaign’s message aligns seamlessly with Tunde’s life story—a tale of turning humble beginnings into extraordinary achievements and using those achievements to empower others.
Tunde Onakoya’s work with Chess in Slums Africa has transformed lives in communities often overlooked by society. Through chess, he has introduced strategy, discipline, and critical thinking to hundreds of children, proving that brilliance can emerge from any environment with the right opportunities.
“Chess is more than a game; it’s a metaphor for life,” Tunde explains. “Every move matters, and even the smallest steps can lead to significant outcomes. This is the same mindset I hope to inspire through the Go M.A.D. campaign.”
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. From local accolades to global recognition, Tunde’s work has earned him a place in the hearts of many—and now, as MTN’s ambassador, he’s set to inspire an even broader audience.
MTN Nigeria’s decision to partner with Tunde Onakoya was no coincidence. According to Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria,”Tunde’s story characterized by setbacks, determination and success exemplifies the very essence of the Go M.A.D campaign, and we are proud to have him as part of this campaign.” Through this campaign, we aim to inspire Nigerians to take their own steps toward making a difference with MTN data.”
The launch event highlighted the essence of the campaign with a friendly chess match between, and MTN Executives and MTN employees. The game symbolized the strategic thinking and intentionality required to create lasting change, a central theme of both Tunde’s work and the Go M.A.D. campaign.
The campaign goes beyond storytelling, inviting Nigerians to take action. Initiatives like the Go M.A.D. Challenge encourage individuals to share their impact stories using the hashtag #GoMADWithMTNData, creating a digital tapestry of positive change.
Tunde’s involvement also extends to grassroots partnerships, leveraging MTN’s reach to bring educational and developmental opportunities to communities across Nigeria.
As Tunde Onakoya steps into his role as ambassador, he embodies the campaign’s core philosophy: small, intentional moves can lead to significant change. Through his work with Chess in Slums Africa and his partnership with MTN, Tunde is proving that anyone, regardless of their background, can dream big, push hard, and ultimately make a difference.
