Ooni hosts Chess Master Tunde Onakoya, rewards students, teachers with N1.6m

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, on Monday, played host to Nigerian Chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya.

A statement by Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun, said that the traditional ruler rewarded both students and teachers with ₦1.6 million.

The occasion organised with the Hopes Alive Initiative, a Non-Governmental Foundation, facilitated by Queen, Temitope Ogunwusi featured an inter-school Chess competition tagged “The King’s Move”.

The event brought together 14 students from various secondary schools across Ile-Ife, who competed in an interactive session with Onakoya.

Speaking during the programme, Ooni lauded Onakoya for using Chess to change narratives and empower young minds, particularly those from underprivileged background.

The royal father commended Queen Temitope and the foundation team for putting together an initiative that focuses on grooming the next generation of critical thinkers.

In his remarks, Onakoya expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler and the organisers for embracing his vision.

Onakoya encouraged the students to remain focused and resilient, stressing that Chess develops the intellect and helps individuals become excellent decision-makers.

Highlighting the significance of the event, the Ooni announced a cash donation of ₦500,000 to be shared among all the participating students.

Additionally, the overall winner of the competition, Toyosi Samuel, a student of Eleve Academy, Oranfe, Ile-Ife, received a cash prize of ₦100,000.

Teachers who accompanied the students were also gifted the sum of ₦1 million collectively.

The star winner of the Chess contest, Toyosi Samuel, thanked Ooni and Onakoya, stating that the opportunity to play with a national Chess Master was an unforgettable experience.

In a symbolic moment, the Ooni presented a specially crafted iconic artwork to Onakoya in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth development and his unwavering commitment to education through Chess.

The gift, which was received with emotion by Onakoya, was described as a testament to the impact of his grassroots-driven initiative.