Ubuntu-The Stories Matter: MABEL JOHN

Magnificent Mabel, as she is fondly called, is an unrelenting, spirited chess player from Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos. Mabel became a part of the Chess in Slums Africa community in 2020. At the time, she was a bright-eyed child with limited access to formal education. Today, Mabel stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the transformative power of chess. Mabel's journey with chess began with a desire for free snacks. In 2020, Chess in Slums Africa hosted a chess outreach in Majidun. At the time, Mabel’s motivation for being a part of the outreach was a desire to get some of the free snacks being handed out during the trainings. Today, a bigger motivation drives Mabel to the chessboard. She dreams of becoming an accountant and a chess grandmaster. During the outreach, Mabel stood out among her peers and was able to master the movement of the chess pieces in a relatively short time. After the outreach in Majidun, Mabel met with the former vice president of Nigeria and has since participated in several tournaments. A simple introduction to chess, fueled by a desire for sweet treats, soon became her passion and pathway to a brighter future. Through dedicated mentorship and her own commitment to the game, Mabel has not only learned to play chess but has also developed a profound love for numbers, aspiring to become both a Grand Chess Master and an Accountant. In 2025, Mabel's dedication and talent earned her a spot in the prestigious Ubuntu …

Mabel’s journey with chess began with a desire for free snacks. In 2020, Chess in Slums Africa hosted a chess outreach in Majidun. At the time, Mabel’s motivation for being a part of the outreach was a desire to get some of the free snacks being handed out during the trainings. Today, a bigger motivation drives Mabel to the chessboard. She dreams of becoming an accountant and a chess grandmaster.

During the outreach, Mabel stood out among her peers and was able to master the movement of the chess pieces in a relatively short time. After the outreach in Majidun, Mabel met with the former vice president of Nigeria and has since participated in several tournaments.

A simple introduction to chess, fueled by a desire for sweet treats, soon became her passion and pathway to a brighter future. Through dedicated mentorship and her own commitment to the game, Mabel has not only learned to play chess but has also developed a profound love for numbers, aspiring to become both a Grand Chess Master and an Accountant.

In 2025, Mabel’s dedication and talent earned her a spot in the prestigious Ubuntu Cultural Exchange Programme in Athens, Georgia. Representing Nigeria at the 12th Annual Chess and Community Conference, she showcased her skills and shared her inspiring journey alongside her team members at the UN House in New York, leaving a lasting impression on attendees from around the world.

Mabel’s story is more than just a personal triumph. It is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every child, regardless of their circumstances. And evidence of how far one can get if they are willing to follow the snacks😹.

#itispossibletodogreatthingsfromasmallplace.