Nigerian chess master and social entrepreneur Tunde Onakoya has made history after becoming the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact in Barcelona, Spain.
The award, which recognises young leaders making meaningful impact in their communities, was presented to Onakoya in April 2026 during an event held in the Spanish city.
Onakoya, who is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, was honoured for his work using chess as a tool to transform the lives of children from underserved communities.
Through his initiative, thousands of young people have gained access to education, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities.
Reacting to the recognition, Onakoya described the moment as deeply meaningful, noting that it was his first visit to Barcelona and an opportunity to share his journey with a global audience.
Born and raised in Ikorodu, Lagos, Onakoya discovered chess at a young age and later turned what many saw as a simple game into a powerful social intervention. Over the years, his work has attracted international attention, especially for its impact on children living in disadvantaged environments.
The Lideramos Youth Award celebrates changemakers across the world who are driving innovation and social change. Onakoya’s recognition not only highlights his personal journey but also places Nigeria and Africa at the forefront of global conversations on youth-led impact.
From the streets of Lagos to global stages, Onakoya’s story continues to reinforce a powerful idea: that even the simplest skills, when used with purpose, can change lives.
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