Agege Literacy Programme Shines With Chess Grandmaster Onakoya

The Agege local government, under the leadership of Hon Ganiyu Obasa, hosted a successful literacy programme for nursery and primary school children during the weekend. The initiative aims to bolster early learning and academic development among young pupils.

Chairman Obasa described the programme as a strategic “catch them young” drive, designed to encourage quick and critical thinking, which he believes will significantly benefit their academic journey. He expressed delight at the presence of Dr. Tunde Onakoya, a renowned Nigerian chess player and coach. “We are pleased to have an icon of chess with us at this programme. He has done so well for himself and Nigeria, and so the kids can look up to him and aspire to achieve similar feats in the future,” Obasa stated, urging the children to always believe in themselves.

A highlight of the event was Dr. Onakoya’s engaging chess session with the students, reinforcing the importance of strategic thinking, discipline, and intellectual growth. Dr. Onakoya, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game, is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an organisation that has implemented numerous interventions for children in Lagos slums, including Majidun (Ikorodu), Makoko, and Oshodi.