Tunde Onakoya’s Achievements and Activism in Nigeria
Tunde Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged children through chess.
Born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, Onakoya discovered chess in a local barber shop and utilized the game to escape poverty and gain an education.
Despite early challenges, including dropping out of school at age 10, he eventually earned a diploma in computer science and became a decorated chess champion.
**Chess in Slums Africa:** Founded in 2018, this initiative goes beyond teaching chess moves; it aims to equip children with critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills. Onakoya’s organization has reached over 1,000 children across several African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, providing more than 200 scholarships and conducting over 36,000 hours of training. The program targets children aged six to 20, especially those facing extreme poverty or homelessness, and offers a three-phase curriculum to nurture their talents and keep them in school.
Notable Accomplishments:
1. **Educational Impact:** Over 86% of children in the Chess in Slums program remain in school, a significant achievement in areas with high dropout rates.
2. **Global Recognition:** Onakoya has received the Future Awards Africa Prize for his social impact and serves on the board of The Gift of Chess, a U.S.-based non-profit.
3. **World Record Attempt:** In 2024, he attempted to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, aiming to play for 58 hours straight to raise $1 million for educational initiatives.
Verydarkman: Achievements and Activism
Verydarkman is a Nigerian activist and social media influencer known for his bold stance against societal injustices and corrupt practices. While detailed biographical information is less readily available compared to Tunde Onakoya, Verydarkman has made a significant impact through his online presence and grassroots activism.
Key Areas of Activism:
1. **Anti-Corruption:** Verydarkman frequently uses his platform to expose corrupt officials and practices within Nigerian society, advocating for transparency and accountability.
2. **Human Rights:** He champions the rights of marginalized groups, calling attention to issues such as police brutality, gender-based violence, and the plight of the poor.
3. **Public Engagement:** His activism is characterized by direct engagement with the public, often mobilizing people to take action through protests and social campaigns.
Comparison of Achievements and Impact
Focus and Methods:
– **Tunde Onakoya:** Uses chess as a tool for education and empowerment, focusing on long-term development and sustainability. His approach is structured and involves formal partnerships and extensive training programs.
– **Verydarkman:** Primarily leverages social media to raise awareness and mobilize action against immediate injustices. His methods are more direct and confrontational, aiming to spark immediate change and accountability.
Scope and Reach:
– **Tunde Onakoya:** His initiatives have a broad educational impact across multiple countries, providing lasting change through scholarships and continuous support.
– **Verydarkman:** His influence is more localized to Nigeria, with a focus on immediate social issues and public policy changes through advocacy and protests.
Recognition and Support:
– **Tunde Onakoya:** Enjoys significant recognition from international organizations and local governments, with notable achievements in educational reform and youth development.
– **Verydarkman:** Gains widespread support from grassroots movements and ordinary citizens who resonate with his fight against corruption and human rights abuses.
Both activists play crucial roles in their respective domains. While Onakoya’s work focuses on long-term educational empowerment, Verydarkman addresses immediate societal injustices, making both figures indispensable in the broader context of Nigerian activism.
The people’s champion:
Despite several international accomplishments by Tunde Onakoya, Verydarkman has won the hearts of the average local Nigerian man going through each day suffering the hard boot of corruption and many setbacks due to a failed economic system designed to favor the wealthy and powerful.
for more news visit gistme9ja.com
