Nigerian chess master and Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya has introduced a new initiative to bring chess enthusiasts together in a social setting. On September 23, Onakoya launched Good Move, a weekly social chess club in Lagos. The club, which meets every Tuesday at PANU Lagos, aims to create a space for people to play chess, meet others, and exchange ideas. This new venture marks a fresh chapter for Onakoya, who has spent years using chess to create opportunities for children in underserved communities.
Good Move seeks to change the perception of chess as a game often associated with competition, classrooms, and formal tournaments. The club is open to chess enthusiasts, casual players, and people interested in the culture around the game, regardless of experience level. Onakoya's goal is to bring the game into mainstream culture, making it more accessible and enjoyable for people in Lagos. The club's launch at a lifestyle café in Lagos provides a unique setting for people to come together and engage with the game.
Onakoya's experience in using chess to create opportunities for children in underserved communities has been extensive. Through his organization, Chess in Slums Africa (CISA), he has supported hundreds of out-of-school children in Lagos, including those from Makoko and Oshodi, in gaining access to formal education. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has also gained international recognition for his 64-hour Guinness World Record chess marathon in New York City's Times Square.
The launch of Good Move is not Onakoya's only initiative to promote education and skills development. He is also the founder of AltSchool Africa, a tech-focused scholarship scheme. Onakoya's commitment to using chess as a tool for social change has earned him recognition and admiration from many. With Good Move, he aims to create a community of people who share a passion for the game and want to engage with others in a social setting.
Good Move promises to be Lagos' new go-to hub for intellect, community, and strategy. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to sharpen your tactics or a beginner eager to learn, the club welcomes people of all experience levels. The club's weekly gatherings will provide a platform for people to meet new friends, learn from others, and develop their skills in a relaxed and social environment.
Onakoya's new initiative has generated excitement among chess enthusiasts and people interested in the game. The club's launch has been well-received on social media, with many people expressing their enthusiasm for the new venture. As Good Move continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the chess community in Lagos and beyond.
The success of Good Move could have implications for the growth of chess in Nigeria and beyond. As Onakoya continues to promote the game and create opportunities for people to engage with it, it will be interesting to see how the game continues to evolve and grow in popularity. With its unique approach and social setting, Good Move has the potential to make a positive impact on the chess community and promote the game in a new and innovative way.
Key points
- Tunde Onakoya launches Good Move, a weekly social chess club in Lagos.
- The club aims to create a space for people to play chess, meet others, and exchange ideas.
- Good Move is open to chess enthusiasts, casual players, and people interested in the culture around the game.
