Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has revealed his aspirations to become more than just a philanthropist and chess advocate. In a recent interview, the celebrated strategist shared a bold vision for his future, one that includes wealth, power, and enduring impact.
Tunde, who gained global recognition for teaching chess to children in underprivileged communities and recently made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, said he wants his legacy to be broader.
“I want to be a billionaire. And I mean that. I’ve always been afraid to say that,” he admitted.
The chess master emphasized that while his heart remains devoted to empowering children and reshaping lives through education, he also wants to occupy spaces of wealth and authority. According to him, financial and political influence would enable him to do even more.
In his words,
“I want to be a billionaire. And I mean that. I’ve always been afraid to say that. I just don’t want to be known as just the chess in slums guy. The charity guy. I want to make a lot of money. And I also want to have a lot of power. And with that power comes new responsibility. And my responsibility and duty will always be to the children.”
Tunde’s statement has sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his honesty and ambition, while others questioned whether the pursuit of money and power could dilute his original mission. But one thing remains clear: he is determined to shape a future where his influence goes beyond the chessboard.
See some reactions below:
@BlackUriel01 said: “He would use chess move to become what he wants to be.”
@bozzmanofficial wrote: “Things are now making sense. What a politician! 😹🙌🏼”
@omo_ola_eluku remarked: “You deserve it bruv, May eledumare be with you 🙏🙏🙏”
@ObasedwardD1st wrote: “B like them don give thing guy powder deal since him don go visit the powder lord. This guy na typical yoruba guy.”
By Ezinne Okorie.
