By Ruth Gbaka
Nigerian chess maestro and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, recently revealed that he declined a substantial financial offer because it didn’t align with his personal values and vision.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he shared, “I recently turned down life-changing money. Not because it was exactly wrong, but because it didn’t align with my values or the vision of who I’m becoming.”
Onakoya emphasised the difficulty of this decision, noting that while he grappled with the potential benefits, he ultimately prioritized integrity over immediate financial gain.
He expressed a sense of liberation following his choice, stating, “I feel liberated by my decision. I can do anything now.”
This decision underscores Onakoya’s commitment to his principles and the mission of Chess in Slums Africa, an initiative dedicated to empowering underprivileged children through chess.
His stance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one’s actions with personal values, even when faced with lucrative opportunities.
