A historical moment was made over the weekend at Oshodi under-bridge as the Canadian High Commission in partnership with Chess in Slums hosted a chess event tagged ‘Chess beyond borders’. It was an event aimed at educating the area through chess to continue the wind of change in the environment.
The under-bridge area of Oshodi is a very popular place in Lagos known for its rough nature and the presence of miscreants. But when Tunde Onakoya and his Chess in Slums team took on some children living under the bridge and transformed their lives last year through chess, it was like a breath of fresh air.
The Canadian High Commission to Nigeria have now joined forces to continue to reform the environment, partnering with the Chess in Slums team to host a chess event in the environment.
The Canadian High Commissioner was present at the event, alongside several Canadian delegates, with the event featuring a chess exhibition, chess tutoring classes, mental maths and a talent show to thrill its onlookers.
It was the first of its kind ever witnessed in the environment. No one would have thought that a place used to be known for touts fighting and every thinkable social vice, could host dignitaries like the Canadian High Commissioner and his delegates.
The event was held as a means to bridge the educational gap there and also inspire the people in the Oshodi area that there is no limit to what anyone can achieve.
The success story of the first set of children found and helped by the Chess in Slums team have sparked a major wave in the environment as the children have begun rehabilitation and are already in schools where their talents are being groomed to make them productive members of the society. This event was another giant step to transform the area.
