Tunde Onakoya Becomes First African to Win Social Impact Award in Barcelona

Chess master and social entrepreneur Tunde Onakoya has made history as the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact in Barcelona, Spain.

Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums Africa, announced the recognition on X and expressed gratitude for the honour, which highlights his efforts to empower children from underserved communities through chess, education, and mentorship.

Sharing part of his acceptance moment, the National Chess Master said he told one of his favourite inspiring stories, the parable of the little hummingbird trying to put out a massive forest fire.

“Deeply honoured to be recognised in Barcelona, Spain, as the first African to receive the Lideramos Youth Award for Social Impact,” Onakoya wrote.

“I used the moment to share one of my favourite stories of the little hummingbird against the great forest fire.”

Born in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, Onakoya rose from a modest background to become a national chess master and an internationally recognised advocate for social change. Through his work, he has shown how chess can become a path to education, confidence, and opportunity for children living in difficult conditions.

His organisation, Chess in Slums Africa, has impacted thousands of underprivileged children by opening doors to learning, mentorship, and life changing opportunities.

The latest award adds to Onakoya’s growing list of honours and further strengthens his reputation as one of the leading young Africans using innovation and compassion to change lives.