A former roadside mechanic from Ikorodu, Lagos, Jamiu, who was discovered by Nigerian chess coach Tunde Onakoya in 2018, has emerged champion at the ICN Chess Championship in New York, United States, winning a $500 scholarship.
In a post on his verified X account on Monday, Onakoya revealed that he first introduced Jamiu, who was living in the slums of Majidun, Ikorodu, to chess through his weekend chess academy.
According to Onakoya, at the time, Jamiu was working as a kid mechanic alongside his younger brother, Ayomide, to support their family.
He recounted that their mother, who had lost her leg in an accident while scavenging to feed them, later died in 2019 after a period of illness, leaving the boys in his care.
Following their mother’s death, Onakoya became a guardian to the boys, helping them return to school.
He added that Jamiu has since excelled academically and in chess, while Ayomide has developed as a promising athlete.
In a recent development, seven years after he was first discovered, Onakoya revealed that Jamiu has now defeated over 200 rated players at the championship in the United States, earning both victory and a $500 scholarship.
He tweeted, “Today, my heart is overwhelmed with a joy words can barely hold. I think the time is finally right to share this story…
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“In 2018, I met Jamiu. He was a curious kid, brilliant and full of light. At the time, he was working as a roadside mechanic in the slums of Majidun, Ikorodu. I invited him and his brother Ayomide to our weekend chess academy. I immediately grew very fond of them as they were very talented and of great character as well.
“When I asked to meet their parents, he led me to a tiny shed and hugged a woman with the kindest smile. “That’s my mum” he said.
“I noticed her leg was amputated. She had lost her right leg in a tragic accident: while scavenging for plastic bottles at a dump site to feed her children, an excavator ran over her. She was never taken to the hospital as there was no money to sort the medical bills. Her Husband had abandoned her as soon as Jamiu was born so they never got to meet their father.
“That day, I made a quiet vow to never leave them behind.
“In 2019, their mum fell critically ill. I held her hand as she cried and asked me to take care of her boys if anything happened to her. I reassured her that she was going to remain alive to see her boys excel. It was a promise I couldn’t keep…
“Two weeks later, she passed. That day, I became a father.
“They moved in with me. We got them back in school. Jamiu became a chess champion and is currently completing his University education. I’ve watched him grow into a remarkable young man. His brother Ayomide, a track and field star in his final secondary school education year. My heart is full, I’m glad I got to be a part of their story.
“Today, 7 years later… we’re together in America and Jamiu just won the ICN Chess Championship in New York, ahead of 200+ USCF-rated players, and earned a $500 scholarship.
“I know your Mum watches you from heaven with a smile 
Your dreams are boundless Jamiu.
Continue to Dare greatly and show the world what you’re truly made of. I fought back tears today because I am immensely proud of you.
“Mama Jamiu, your boys are doing well. I kept my promise. I always will.”
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