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The Worthy Rise Of Tunde Onakoya To International Prominence

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2 weeks ago

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In the world of international sports and competition, few stories resonate as deeply as those of individuals rising from local playgrounds and small beginnings to the zenith of international recognition. This is exactly the story of the young Nigerian global chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, whose journey to becoming a world-renowned chess champion, especially his recent feat of successfully attempting to smash and set a new Guinness World Records has captured the attention and admiration of many around the world. It is not surprising that the internet became awash with his photos.

The humble beginning of Tunde and the game of chess started at Yintab Private Academy (YPA), when he was admitted into JSS 2 on the September 18, 2006. He subsequently joined the YPA Chess Club and was part of YPA’s chess program throughout his time at YPA from 2006 to 2011. Under the guidance of now late Mr. Clement Okoro, a dedicated Chess Teacher and Coach whose passion for chess inspired the likes of Tunde. Though romantically more fanciful to claim self-learning to play from observing at a Barber’s shop, Clement’s dedication to Tunde got his game to blossom over time. While Tunde may have seen a Chess set, Barber’s, more so
in a low-income community play Ayo and draughts – called checkers by Americans. Yintab Private Academy and its owners provided Tunde the opportunity to compete with other children in other schools and gained confidence.

Growing up in the Isale Odo community in Ikorodu, like many kids from humble backgrounds, Tunde started life with deprivations. But fortune and providence came while his mum secured the job of a cleaner at YPA adjacent to TOS Benson Estate, at Oja Bus Stop, Agric, Ikorodu. According to the School’s Managing Director, Mrs. Adejumoke Badejo, Tunde’s mother, Mrs. Taiwo Onakoya as a support staff in the school, took advantage of half tuition fees for staff children to send Tunde through secondary school. The school was very lenient and did
not in any way hamper Tunde’s progress over fees. Tunde being a very diligent and promising
student was appointed Head Prefect (Head Boy) in his final year at Yintab Private Academy.

The game of chess is one that the management of Yintab Private Academy had planned as an important strategic aid for critical thinking for students. The Chairman of YPA, Prof. Babafemi A. Badejo recollects how his secondary school teacher and school father, Mr. Anthony J. Finch had introduced him to the game at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode. Little wonder that he insisted that the game must be woven into the learning at the private school set up by his family.

Furthermore, Prof. Badejo founded the Femi Badejo Foundation, a private, non-profit organization that promoted the knowledge of the game of chess. The foundation considers chess as a tool for helping young people cultivate skills in critical reasoning needed for both academic and social development. From 1999 to 2007, the foundation under the leadership of a former Judge of Ogun state, Justice Solomon Abidoye Olugbemi sponsored series of annual chess tournaments in the under 14 and under 10 categories in conjunction with the Nigerian Chess
Federation (NCF). Upon his appointment as a Judge of Ogun State, he handed over to the Director of the competition, one Mr. Johnson. Justice Solomon Abidoye Olugbemi, recounting some of his experiences while he led the Femi Badejo Foundation in an interview on April 24, 2024, said:

“I was Involved in organizing the chess tournaments for under 14 and 10 children at the time. I worked in conjunction with the Tournament Director, one Mr. Johnson, I cannot remember his surname now. We held the tournaments at the National Stadium, for 7 years, and the 8th one at Yintab School Ikorodu. Funding was done by then Dr. Femi Badejo through his wife, while he was away at the UN as a multilateral diplomat. We did our best to get good participation, invited schools in Lagos state, Ogun state, Oyo state. Some came from as far as Port Harcourt to participate in the competition. tried to come from far places. The tournaments had a lot of impact on the children. A lot of students and schools participated. One school even tried to come very far from the East, but could not make it. The Children were so happy. Apart from the Chess, we also gave them lunch, then later snacks as a result of increasing costs”

Justice Olugbemi recalled how his departure to take up a higher career created a critical leadership vacuum in the Femi Badejo Foundation, that led the founder, to voluntary withdraw funding, which was majorly responsible for the current state of the foundation. There were usually a number of financial demands from federal and state government officials in trying to organize the tournaments, which tended towards corruption. While he successfully talked officials out of breaking the law, his successors did not have the clout to do the same. Prof.
Badejo was not ready to bribe in order to do good after paying for the use of rooms at the National Stadium, renting and fueling generator, etc., and still face demands from officials.

However, it is important to note that the competitions provided the opportunity for Tunde Onakoya to have his first experience of traveling out of Ikorodu and compete with children from high-brow schools.

In a 2022 visit to his alma mata, in a moment of nostalgia and recollection of some of his fondest memories of the school and the Chess program of the school, to an audience of young school boys and girls seated in the same hall he sat a couple of years ago, he jokingly gave his young audience a fine treat of laughter with his “Rice and Chicken Secret confession” As a young boy, he was personally attracted to the Chess Program of the school and the annual Chess Tournament organized by the Femi Badejo Foundation, because of the Rice and Chicken served as Lunch…but eventually picked up interest in the Chess game. Tunde essentially inspired the
students to see that they can achieve anything, become whoever they want to be, just like him irrespective of their backgrounds. He also spoke to the students on the need to understand the real meaning and use of education. Since his last courtesy visit to the School, Yintab Private Academy has rekindled the Chess program back, enjoying the paid services of some of Mr. Tunde’s trained Chess coaches.

The very appreciative mother of our international Chess champion, Mrs. Taiwo Onakoya (a.k.a. Iya Pupa), on a recent visit to the Yintab Private Academy, where she also graciously paid off some outstanding school fees of her son, said in Yoruba language, to a former Head Mistress, of YPA, Ms. Olubunmilola Odesanya, “Ohun ti Tunde ko lati odo Yintab ni a fi n jeun lonii” meaning, it was what Tunde learnt from Yintab, that we are using to eat today.

The achievements of Tunde are very commendable. As Prof. Badejo noted on his Facebook page, Tunde is a pride of Nigeria. How great it would have been if Mr. Clement Okoro who died at a very young age in 2013 were still alive today to see his contribution to lives that Tunde is touching. His achievements are not just personal victories but are also testaments to the quality and impact of the foundational training he received at the Yintab Private Academy.

Beyond teaching children to play chess, Tunde Onakoya has inspired and empowered many children to become better versions of themselves. His efforts have also facilitated access to educational scholarships for children from poor backgrounds. Tunde also does advocacy and some public speaking on exploring creative methods in education, mental development and social projects. From these, he has earned international recognitions, global features, and mentions in international outlets showing how his work continues to transform the lives of many
children.

The story of the physically challenged Ferdinand from Makoko community, who rose to the limelight with his life-changing chess encounter with the governor of Lagos state, is one of the inspiring stories of children whose lives are being transformed by Tunde’s Chess in slums of Africa. A firm believer in the African philosophy of Ubuntu (Being self through other, all for one, one for all), it is not surprising Tunde is investing so much into empowering less privileged children, ensuring they are supported to lead successful and impactful lives.

 

Abraham Ameh, (M.A, Unilag), is Special Adviser, Yintab Strategy Consults, Ikorodu, Lagos

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Reactions as Korra Obidi travels to Hawaii for vacation after fans donated $50,000 for legal fee

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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Nigerians across social media have begun to slam popular Nigerian-American singer and dancer, Korra Obidi, as she flew immediately to Hawaii in the United States after completing her GoFundMe $50,000 target.

Obidi created GoFundMe on Friday to seek a good lawyer, adding that she wants to overturn the right of her ex-husband, Justin Dean, over their kids.

According to her, she would need money to get a good lawyer, which is why she created the GoFundMe account to meet the target of $100,000.

The account generated over $50,000 raised from over 950 donors worldwide.

“As a mother, it’s time to fight for myself and my kids,” Obidi said. She also shared her GoFundMe account details, seeking the assistance of fans and friends.

However, on Sunday, the dancer, after raising the money, said during a live session on Facebook that she had plans for a vacation in Hawaii.

Her decision has been greeted by outrage from her fans, with many alleging that the main intent of the GoFundMe was never to file a suit against the husband but to lavish on her extravagant lifestyle.

Wanda Johnson, a Facebook user, said, “She got y’all’s money, now she’s at the airport. Some of you are so weak to believe her foolishness. She is always begging, scamming, and manipulating.”

“You are gradually becoming a professional beggar on social media,” one Chigoziri Ohochukwu on Facebook opined.

“Mad that she can’t post pictures because without posting pictures she can’t make money. She needs to post pictures of her kids to make money. But she would rather go to Hawaii than see.Her children sickening and people gave her $.Or whatever was on that go find me.People needs to report the go fund me everybody needs to report to get their money back,” a user who identifies as Jennifer Lynn Russell claimed.

Nene Peters stated, “WTF you was just on here crying about you need a lawyer now, you traveling. I’m done with you wow.”

“Two days ago she was crying for donation now she is traveling,” said Hermi Matilya

Meanwhile, Bridget O’Connell said, “Yeah I’m not gonna lie Traveling to Hawaii is crazy after receiving all that money for Lawyer girl! You shoulda did that in silence.”

Also, Mary Monique Napont said, “It’s none of your business lady. She is an influencer, performer, student, and most importantly a great mother. Leave her be. You are a part of the problem. She’s not hurting you in any way. If you don’t like her, don’t follow her. It’s that simple.”

Recall that the divorce and custody battle between Obidi and Dean has been on the public scene lately. Recent developments have granted Justin the right to restrict their two children from featuring on Obidi’s online content.

She posted a plea online, accusing Dean of abuse and “gaslighting” during their marriage, claiming he is now subjecting their daughters to similar treatment.

 

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Police declare Lagos socialite wanted for murder, cyber-stalking

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5 days ago

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May 13, 2024

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The Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday, declared a Lagos socialite and blogger, Dorcas Adeyinka, wanted for alleged cyber-stalking, abduction and murder, among others.

The police urged members of the public to “arrest and hand over the suspect to the nearest police station or the office of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

The police further described Adeyinka as a married female Yoruba blogger from Ekiti State and Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

She is said to be approximately 1.64m tall with an oval face, tribal marks, pointed nose, wide mouth, full and white dentition, and light-skinned with black eyes.

The police added that she lives in the United Kingdom, and frequently visits Ikeja, Ogudu and Fagba in Lagos State, as well as Otta and Sango in Ogun State.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Online had earlier reported that a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, summoned two social media users for defaming Adeyinka by allegedly sharing her nude photo online.

In the court summons dated Thursday, May 9, 2024, which was obtained by our correspondent, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the two defendants – Tolulope Adeoye aka Abike Jagaban, and Tolulope Odegbami aka Olowosibi – to appear in persons before the court on June 4, 2024, to answer the charges levelled against them by the complainant.

The summons followed a criminal complaint filed by the complainant’s lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of an Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor.

The socialite accused the defendants of sharing her nude photo on social media and ridiculing her.

The application partly read, “On March 5, 2022, Abike Jagaban shared the complainant’s nude pictures on YouTube, directing her followers to different online platforms where the complainant’s pictures were/are shared and ridiculed the complainant in the process.

“The video was captioned, ‘Abike Jagaban on Dorcas Adeyinka, aka TMS Blog.’ These actions have exposed the complainant to contempt, hatred and detestation as some people can be seen making disparaging remarks against the person of the complainant in the comment section of the above-referenced post. Abike Jagaban has also bullied the complainant in another video titled, ‘How Abike Jagaban bullied Dorcas Adeyinka,” among others.”

The complainant told the court that the alleged actions of the defendants constituted criminal defamation and contravened Section 391 of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, in suit number CR/93/2024 with motion number MN/140/2024, Magistrate Iyanna ordered the complainant to serve the defendants with the criminal summons and all other subsequent processes of the court via their social media handles or pages @Tolulope Omolara Ghaba (Facebook) and @Princess Tolulope Ajike Olowosibi (Facebook).

The magistrate adjourned the matter till June 4, 2024, and ordered that the two defendants be present in court on the said date.

 

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Even if arrest warrant was illegally obtained, Bello should’ve appeared in court – Judge

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1 week ago

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May 10, 2024

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By Taiye Agbaje

 

Abuja, May 10, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja on Friday granted the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear in court for his trial.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the former governor ought to appeared before the court before making any application.

 

He insisted that even if the arrest warrant was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should have still shown up in court.

 

It would be tracked that the judge had, on April 23, fixed today for the ruling on the former governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him.

 

The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

 

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client

.

He canvassed that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

 

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved).

 

The senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, that the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained being a criminal case.

 

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it.

 

The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of fair hearing to their client.

 

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on 18th day of April after the arrest warrant had been issued on 17th day of April and today, my noble lord granted it.

 

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

 

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the prosecution, the defendant and the public.

 

He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice.

 

Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

 

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

 

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor.

 

But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application.

 

The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

 

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC.

 

He said that the order of court subsisted until it is set aside, even if there is irregularity.

 

The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard to the sanctity of the court.

 

“Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

 

“Bello should come to court in his own not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,” the judge declared.

 

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9.

 

He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to same matter.

 

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja.

 

He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

 

He said it would be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial.

 

But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission.

 

In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application.

 

The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

 

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life.

 

Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer to the alleged charge.

 

“It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

 

“We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,” Mohammed said.

 

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former govenor to appear in court in the next adjourned date.

 

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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