The event featured sporting legends such as boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Italian football star Giorgio Chiellini. Standing shoulder to shoulder with such esteemed figures, Onakoya shared a moving message about inclusion, resilience, and the transformative power of chess.
Reflecting on his personal journey from the slums of Lagos to the prestigious UN stage, Onakoya said, “I belonged here. Not despite my journey, but because of it. And my experiences and stories were just as valid as anyone else’s.”
In his address, he spoke passionately about how chess serves as a universal language—transcending borders, race, class, and even disability.
Representing both The Gift of Chess and Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya highlighted the power of the game not just as a tool for learning strategy, but as a platform for empowerment and self-belief for marginalized children around the world.
“The children we work with don’t just play chess,” he said. “They are learning to believe they belong, and that there’s a place for them in the world.”
One of the most significant moments of the event came when Onakoya invited a group of children, who had travelled with him from Atlanta to New York, onto the stage alongside his friend Russ. Their arrival, despite the challenges of navigating NYC traffic, was met with admiration by the audience.
In a moment that stunned the gathering, one of the young girls took the microphone and delivered an impromptu speech so heartfelt and moving that it earned a standing ovation from the entire hall. The applause symbolized more than just appreciation—it was a recognition of the limitless potential that exists within every child when given the right opportunity.
Speaking after the event, Onakoya described the moment as surreal and deeply fulfilling. “They didn’t just share the spotlight with me,” he said. “They ignited it and showed that, given the opportunity, they can shine on the world’s biggest stages.”
As their story continues to gain international recognition, Onakoya’s mission to use chess as a tool for change is resonating far beyond the borders of Africa. With every move, the children he champions are showing the world that their dreams are not only valid—they are unstoppable.
