How I Transformed a Roadside Mechanic into a World-Class Chess Champion says Tunde Onakoya
Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess champion, has shared an emotional and inspiring story of how he helped Jamiu, a young roadside mechanic from the slums of Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos, rise to become a world-class chess champion. Today, Jamiu is not only participating in chess competitions in the United States but has already won the ICN Chess Championship in New York, defeating over 200 USCF-rated players and earning a $500 scholarship.
A Journey of Transformation
In 2018, Onakoya met Jamiu, who was then a mechanic working on the streets of Ikorodu. Onakoya immediately noticed Jamiu’s bright intellect and potential, so he invited him and his brother, Ayomide, to join his weekend chess academy. The boys were quick to impress Onakoya, not only with their talent for chess but with their character as well.
Onakoya, who has made it his mission to empower underprivileged children through chess, soon found himself growing close to the boys. This led him to visit their home, where he met their mother, a kind woman who had tragically lost her leg in an accident while scavenging for plastic bottles to feed her children. The boys’ father had abandoned them shortly after Jamiu’s birth, leaving their mother to raise them alone in difficult circumstances.
A Promise That Changed Lives
In 2019, Jamiu and Ayomide’s mother became critically ill. In her final moments, she made an emotional request of Onakoya, asking him to take care of her boys if anything happened to her. Onakoya promised her he would, though he hoped she would recover. Sadly, just two weeks later, their mother passed away.
That was the moment Onakoya’s life and theirs would change forever. The boys moved in with Onakoya, and he took them in as his own, providing them with a home and an education. He enrolled Jamiu and Ayomide in school and watched as Jamiu excelled in chess, gradually evolving into a champion. Meanwhile, Ayomide became a star in track and field, still pursuing his passion as he neared the end of his secondary school education.
Jamiu’s Triumph in the United States
Seven years later, Jamiu has reached a remarkable milestone. He recently won the prestigious ICN Chess Championship in New York, outshining over 200 USCF-rated players in the process. This victory not only earned him recognition on the global chess stage but also secured him a $500 scholarship. Onakoya, overwhelmed with pride, shared his joy on social media, stating that his heart was full as he witnessed Jamiu’s growth from a curious child in Ikorodu to a world-class chess player competing in the United States.
In his heartfelt message, Onakoya reflected on his journey with the boys. “I’ve watched Jamiu grow into a remarkable young man,” he wrote. “His brother Ayomide, a track and field star, is in his final secondary school year. Today, we’re together in America, and Jamiu has just achieved what we’ve worked so hard for.”
Onakoya concluded his post by paying tribute to Jamiu’s late mother, writing, “Mama Jamiu, your boys are doing well. I kept my promise. I always will.” It’s clear that, despite the hardships the boys endured, Onakoya’s dedication and love have played an instrumental role in their transformation.
A Story of Hope and Determination
The story of Jamiu and his brother Ayomide is a testament to the power of compassion, mentorship, and belief in the potential of others. Tunde Onakoya’s unwavering commitment to helping these two young men rise from difficult circumstances to achieve greatness shows the incredible difference one person can make in the life of another.
Today, as Jamiu stands as a chess champion, Onakoya’s promise to their mother has been fulfilled. The two brothers are thriving in their respective fields, and the world is beginning to see just how much they are capable of achieving. This story proves that with determination, love, and support, even the most impossible dreams can come true.