Renowned Nigerian chess master and philanthropist, Tunde Onakoya, has pledged to sponsor the education of an 11-year-old girl who was recently seen following her mother to her sweeping job in Ikoyi. The heart-wrenching moment, which was captured and posted on social media, has sparked widespread reactions, with many condemning the act of public humiliation the mother and child endured.

Onakoya, known for his commitment to empowering underprivileged children through education and chess, expressed deep empathy for the family. Sharing his personal experience with poverty, he revealed that his own mother once had to take up similar menial jobs to make ends meet.

“My mother used to sweep people’s houses and gutters in 2016. It hurt too much that I could do nothing financially to stop her. I often insisted on going with her, just to help fetch the water she needed so we could finish quicker and get back home before daylight. I didn’t want anyone to see us. The poverty that pushes one to hide their labour in the dark is a painful one,” Onakoya wrote on social media.

The video, which showed the young girl assisting her mother in sweeping the streets, triggered mixed emotions across Nigeria. While some social media users criticized the situation, arguing that the child should not have been working, others pointed out that the real issue at hand was poverty and the desperate measures families take to survive.

Onakoya emphasized that beyond expressing outrage, the best response to such situations is compassion and tangible assistance. In a bold and selfless move, he publicly announced his decision to take full responsibility for the girl’s education through university, hoping it would ease the family’s burden in some way.

“If no one has done this already, I would like to take full responsibility for the girl’s education through university. I hope this eases their burden in some way. These are incredibly hard times,” he stated.

His gesture has been widely applauded, with many commending his commitment to making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. The story has also reignited conversations around the struggles faced by low-income families in Nigeria, particularly in a time of economic hardship.

Social media users have pointed out that the real issue lies in systemic poverty and the lack of social support structures to protect vulnerable families. “Our privilege blinds us in ways we’ll never truly understand,” Onakoya remarked, urging people to reflect on how they can contribute meaningfully to society.

As Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation and economic instability, this story serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and action. While many voiced their concerns about the injustice of child labor, Onakoya’s response highlights a more practical approach—providing direct assistance to those in need rather than merely criticizing the circumstances.

This act of kindness has once again proven why Tunde Onakoya is not just a chess champion but also a champion of hope for many children across Nigeria. His dedication to changing lives through education and mentorship has made a lasting impact, and this latest pledge further cements his legacy as an advocate for the less privileged.

For now, all eyes are on how this sponsorship will unfold and how it will impact the life of the young girl and her family. One thing is certain: this story is a testament to the power of individual action in transforming lives. As the conversation continues, many hope that more well-meaning individuals and organizations will step up to support similar cases and provide lasting solutions to poverty in Nigeria.