Lagos Welcomes Chess Innovation Hub
Lagos, Nigeria — The newly opened Chess Innovation Hub in Lagos, a collaboration between Chess in Slum Africa (CISA) and help alliance is set to transform the lives of underprivileged children by using chess to foster intellectual and social growth.
At the launch event, Tunde Onakoya, founder of CISA, highlighted the organization’s journey, which has impacted over 10,000 children through chess and life-skills training, and aims to reach 100,000 by 2030. “The Chess Innovation Hub will be a space for kids to learn essential skills like robotics, coding, and mathematics. Chess is just the beginning—it’s a pathway, not the final destination,” he said.
“The Chess Innovation Hub will serve as a space for kids from the slums and streets to learn new skills and unlock their potential,” said Onakoya. “Chess is just the beginning—it’s a pathway, not the final destination. Our aim is to equip children with essential skills like robotics, coding, and mathematics, helping them envision a bright future and recognize their potential, instead of letting poverty and lack define their lives.”
Representing the Lufthansa Group, René Koinzack, Senior Director Sales for Southern & East Africa, Nigeria & Equatorial Guinea, celebrated the partnership. “As help alliance celebrates its 25th anniversary, we remain committed to advancing education and poverty alleviation. The launch of the Chess Innovation Hub is a significant milestone for achieving these goals in Nigeria.”
Also present at the event was Zied Gueblaoui, former General Manager Sales, Nigeria & help alliance Project Coordinator, who expressed his delight in seeing the project come to life. “Seeing the Chess Innovation Hub become a reality is a proud moment for me. It’s incredible to think back to three years ago when this was just an idea, fueled by Tunde Onakoya’s passion. Today, we stand here to witness the opening of this state-of-the-art facility, which will play a crucial role in uplifting children from the streets and slums of Lagos. It has been a true honor to contribute to this journey.”
Tolulope Aminu, Marketing Manager & help alliance Project Coordinator reflected on the choice to partner with CISA, saying, “Partnering with CISA was an easy choice. We recognized their authenticity and deep passion for their mission, which aligns closely with our goals at help alliance. Most importantly, CISA treats the communities they support with dignity, focusing on their potential rather than their struggles.”
