Solomon Usuanlele

In 2021, we met Ferdinand during our chess in community project in Makoko, a community often described as the world’s largest floating slum. Living with cerebral palsy, Ferdinand had never attended school and could not speak English. He was often bullied, and at one point, other children tried to stop him from attending our classes. Then one of our trainers noticed him and brought him in. Within hours, we discovered an extraordinary understanding of chess through his ability to recognise patterns. Just two weeks later, Ferdinand stood out at the Makoko Chess Dream Project tournament, earning a full scholarship and opening the door to new possibilities. When he received his medal and trophy, Ferdinand spoke his first word to us: “Champion.” That moment felt surreal, and since then his journey has taken him to places far beyond Makoko. He has played chess with Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the 2024 Intellectual Bravery Award at the Indomie Heroes Awards, played at the 2025 United Nations Chess Games in New York, and received the Young Generous Award at the 12th Chess & Community Conference in Athens, Georgia. And now, another milestone. At 15, Ferdinand has graduated from Primary School. 🎓 For years, we have supported his education and that of his three siblings, while also supporting his family. Through it all, Ferdinand has continued to learn, compete, win and keep moving forward. For this special feature, we had a chat with his mother, his class teacher and some of his classmates to hear from the people who have witnessed his growth firsthand. They share their reflections on Ferdinand’s academic performance, character and the determination that has brought him to this moment. His graduation is much more than the completion of his primary school education. It is a milestone in a journey that began with a boy who was once denied the opportunity to learn and has now grown into a young champion with a world of possibilities ahead of him. Ferdinand, congratulations on this incredible milestone. The next chapter awaits♟️ 📷: @solphilms @Tunde_OD #ChessInSlumsAfrica #Ferdinand #BeyondTheBoard #ChildDevelopment #EducationForAll

As we celebrate the beauty of sacrifice, the strength of faith, and the spirit of generosity. We are reminded of the power of giving and the purpose of serving others. May your homes be filled with peace and joy this season brings. Eid el-Adha from all of us at Chess in Slums Africa 📷: @AmazynArts #ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya

Our journey at the @ecobank_nigeria National Schools Team Chess Championship is a powerful story of resilience and excellence. At the 2026 edition of the tournament, the CISA Team emerged 1st place in the Primary School Category from over 140 schools across Nigeria. This victory marks a defining moment for the team, from finishing 3rd in the first edition, to coming in 2nd place the following year, and now claiming the national championship title. Throughout the tournament, the team demonstrated exceptional composure, discipline, and teamwork, winning all six of their matches in dominant fashion. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that every member of the team is from the Makoko community. They were introduced to chess through Chess in Slums Africa’s community engagement programmes, and through consistent mentorship, support, and opportunity, they have shown that talent, when nurtured, can thrive anywhere. The team also delivered outstanding individual performances. Edwin Edewhen (10) gave a sensational run on Board One, winning the Gold Medal and earning the Best Player of the Tournament award, firmly establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most promising young chess talents. On Board Five, Azampo Caleb (11) secured the Silver Medal, the team also featured the youngest participant in the tournament, Jonas Edewhen (8). Other members of the team include Augustine Ehuntin (11) and Avlessi Thankgod (11). We are deeply grateful to our coaches @Peterovskii @O_Aford and mentors whose dedication, sacrifice, and belief in these children continue to make moments like this possible. For these young boys from Makoko, this victory is not the destination—it is only the beginning. #ChessInSlumsAfrica #UnveilingRoyaltyInEveryChild #ChessInNigeria #TundeOnakoya