When children from the slums of Lagos and conflict zones in Northern Nigeria step onto the global stage, chess becomes more than a game, it becomes a powerful tool for change.
On March 29, 2025, at the 12th Annual Chess and Community Conference held at Classic Center, Athens, Georgia, five exceptional players from Chess in Slums Africa graced the stage. The conference welcomed these youngsters, thought leaders, and educators under the theme “Future Forward, Game Changers, and a Global World.”
Showcasing African Talent on a Global Stage
Representing Chess in Slums Africa were five incredible young players from Lagos and Northern Nigeria. These children didn’t just play chess, they shared their stories of resilience and determination that left everyone in awe.
- Ferdinand (Makoko): Despite living with cerebral palsy, Ferdinand played with incredible focus and strategy. His performance earned him the Young Genius Award, presented by actor Khary Payton, best known for his role in The Walking Dead.
- Mary (IDP Camp, Northern Nigeria): Mary’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After surviving Boko Haram attacks and being displaced to an IDP camp, she competed in the middle school chess championship and came out second, winning a $100 prize. Her victory is proof that dreams can thrive even in the toughest circumstances.
- Jamiu (Oshodi): Jamiu’s story is one of overcoming unimaginable hardship. Orphaned, homeless, and struggling just to survive, he was named Best Player of the Tournament. He walked away with a gold medal and a $500 scholarship for his incredible performance and heartfelt essay on global citizenship.
- Mabel (Makoko): Mabel, who once couldn’t even attend school due to the harsh realities of life in the slums, is now a rising chess star. Her dream? To become a doctor. And she’s well on her way.
Ivie Urieto: A remarkable chess prodigy who began her journey at the age of 4. Over the years, Ivie has accumulated numerous accolades in chess and has been honored with a scholarship. These young players showed the world that with the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Event Highlights
The conference wasn’t just about chess, it was about how chess can open doors to new opportunities. Here are some of the standout programs that made the event so special:
- Chess with Law Enforcement: Young people and local law enforcement officers teamed up for a game of chess, breaking down barriers and building trust through shared strategy.
- Tech Corner & Robotics Tournament: The children got hands-on experience in coding and robotics, learning about STEM in a fun and engaging way.
- Virtual Reality Chess & Art Corner: Merged creative expression with strategic thinking in a digital environment.
- Chess Museum Experience: Showcased the historical and cultural significance of chess.
The conference also featured two notable keynote speakers:
- Zachary McLeroy, co-founder of Zaxby’s
- Khary Payton: Khary Payton is best known for his voice work in Teen Titans and his role in The Walking Dead.
Both speakers talked about leadership, innovation, and building global connections, offering valuable lessons for everyone in the room.
Why This Matters
This appearance at a U.S.-based chess conference marks a major milestone for Chess in Slums Africa. From the slums of Lagos to the international stage, these children proved that access to chess education can transform lives. Their participation aligns with our mission to use chess as a tool for youth empowerment, educational inclusion, and global exposure.
In the words of the founder, Tunde Onakoya, “Typing these words fills my eyes with tears all over again because I know their stories.”
Through this platform, the world saw what we’ve always believed: potential is universal, even if opportunity is not. With continued support, Chess in Slums Africa will keep bridging that gap, one move at a time.
How You Can Support
These stories are just the beginning. If you want to support more young people like Jamiu and Mary, here’s how you can stay connected and be part of their journey:
– Follow our updates on social media
– Share the story to inspire more young minds
Support our mission:
Together, we can bridge the gap and give these children the future they deserve, one move at a time.
Reading these stories once again here gives me goosebumps, not only just that my daughter Ivie was part of it, but that every of their stories, Mary, Ferdinand, Jamiu, Ivie and Mabel has a message it carries.