For Ayomide, Jamiu, it is Rags to Riches under Chess Prodigy, Onakoya

In a heartwarming tale of triumph and redemption, two Nigerian brothers, Jamiu and Ayomide, have overcome unimaginable poverty and hardship to achieve greatness, thanks to the kindness and mentorship of US- Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya.

According to reports, the brothers, who were living in the impoverished Ikorodu area of Lagos, Nigeria, were forced to fend for themselves after their mother’s tragic passing in 2019. However, their lives took a dramatic turn for the better when Onakoya, who runs a chess initiative for underprivileged children, took them under his wing and adopted them.

Onakoya, who first met Jamiu in 2018, was struck by the young boy’s exceptional talent and character. Despite the challenges they faced, the brothers showed remarkable resilience and determination, which inspired Onakoya to make a quiet vow to support them.

Tragedy struck when their mother fell critically ill, and Onakoya was by her side as she asked him to take care of her boys if anything happened to her.

Sadly, she passed away two weeks later, leaving the brothers orphaned and alone.

Onakoya, who had grown attached to the brothers, decided to take them in and provide them with a stable and loving home. He enrolled them in school and began mentoring them in chess, a game that would eventually change their lives forever.

Fast-forward to the present, and Jamiu, now a chess champion, has made his adoptive father proud by winning the prestigious ICN Chess Championship in New York, defeating over 200 USCF-rated players in the process. The victory has earned him a $500 scholarship, a life-changing opportunity that will help him pursue his academic and chess career.

Ayomide, Jamiu’s brother, is also excelling in his own right, emerging as a track and field star in his final year of secondary school education.

Onakoya, who shared the brothers’ inspiring story on social media, expressed his joy and pride, saying, “Today, my heart is overwhelmed with a joy words can barely hold. I think the time is finally right to share this story… I’ve watched Jamiu grow into a remarkable young man, and his brother Ayomide is a track and field star.

My heart is full, I’m glad I got to be a part of their story.”

The brothers’ rags-to-riches story has captivated the hearts of millions, with many taking to social media to praise Onakoya’s selfless act of kindness and the brothers’ determination and resilience.

As the news of Jamiu’s victory spreads, the chess community is abuzz with excitement, hailing the young champion as a role model and inspiration to aspiring chess players around the world.

The brothers’ story serves as a testament to the power of kindness, perseverance, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. As they continue to make waves in the chess and athletic worlds, their inspiring tale will undoubtedly motivate countless others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.