The story of Tunde Onakoya is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Growing up in a small community, life dealt Tunde an early challenge when he had to drop out of school at the age of 10.
While other children went off to classrooms, Tunde found himself at home for years, with an uncertain future ahead. But destiny had a different plan, and it came in the form of a chessboard.
“Chess taught me strategy, discipline, and gave me my own identity,” Tunde shared during the launch of Go M.A.D. (Go Make A Difference) campaign, where he was unveiled as the face of this transformative initiative. For Onakoya, chess was more than a game—it was a lifeline. It showed him that even when life feels like an impossible puzzle, the right moves can open new possibilities. What began as a personal journey of self-discovery soon became a mission to inspire others, particularly children in underserved communities.
Through his Chess in Slums Africa initiative, Onakoya is doing more than teaching a game; he’s creating pathways for children to dream beyond their circumstances. By teaching them strategy and discipline, he’s equipping them with tools that go far beyond the chessboard—tools they can use to rewrite their stories.
Onakoya emphasises that mastery of any skill is just the beginning. “The true impact lies in sharing that knowledge, creating opportunities, and taking bold steps to make a difference.”
Onakoya’s journey from a small community to becoming a global changemaker is a testament to the power of starting small, dreaming big, and staying strategic. His work embodies the essence of Go M.A.D., a movement calling on Nigerians to make bold, meaningful moves in their lives and communities.
With their data, the possibilities are limitless. Whether it’s accessing resources to learn a new skill, connecting with changemakers, or sharing your story to inspire others, MTN gives you the tools to dream, act, and create a better world.
