Tunde Onokoya desires influence, wealth to empower helpless children

Tunde Onokoya reveals his desire for wealth and influence to better support underprivileged children, saying he wants more than just the charity label

Tunde Onokoya desires influence and wealth, not for fame or personal luxury, but to uplift children left behind by society. The Nigerian chess maestro and Guinness World Record holder made this known during a conversation on the Afropolitan podcast on Thursday.

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While speaking about his personal vision beyond his current philanthropic identity, Onokoya shared that his longing for affluence stems from a desire to effect deeper change. “I want to be a billionaire.

And I mean that. I’ve always been afraid to say that,” he confessed. “I just don’t want to be known as just the chess in slums guy. The charity guy. I want to make a lot of money. And I also want to have a lot of power.”

For Onokoya, power and wealth are tools, not ends. He made it clear that his ultimate responsibility would always be to vulnerable children.

His journey from growing up in disadvantaged environments to founding Chess in Slums has been defined by an unwavering commitment to giving others the chance he never had.

Through Chess in Slums, Onokoya has introduced hundreds of children living in deprived communities to the intellectual game of chess, using it as a gateway to literacy, education, and self-confidence.

The initiative has garnered international attention and has been praised for transforming lives through creativity and compassion.

Onokoya’s ambition signals a shift in how social innovators see themselves. He is not content with being boxed into charity work. His vision includes expanding his reach through influence and financial power while retaining his core mission.

“With that power comes new responsibility. And my responsibility and duty will always be to the children,” he declared.

His comments come amid increasing recognition from both national and global figures. In recent months, Onokoya has been hosted by traditional leaders, celebrated for his world record chess marathon, and invited to presidential engagements.

Yet, through all the accolades, he remains grounded in his purpose: helping children trapped in cycles of poverty find hope and opportunity.

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As Onokoya steps into a new phase of public life, his words echo the dreams of many changemakers seeking not just visibility, but the means to build lasting impact.