Opportunities play a crucial role in the development and enhancement of talents, serving as the platform where raw potential can be transformed into mastery. Talents, no matter how innate, need the right exposure, mentorship, and support to thrive. When individuals are given opportunities to hone their skills, they are not only able to realize their full potential but also contribute to society in meaningful ways. Without opportunities, many talents remain undiscovered, leading to lost potential and unfulfilled dreams.
Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa initiative is a remarkable example of how providing opportunities can uplift individuals and communities. By teaching chess to underprivileged children, Onakoya is not just imparting a skill but opening doors to critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning—skills that can change the trajectory of these children’s lives. His approach shows how an opportunity like learning chess can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment, particularly in communities that have been marginalized.
Onakoya’s plan to extend his efforts to children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno State, Nigeria, is another step toward using opportunity as a vehicle for talent enhancement. These children, who have faced extreme adversity, will not only learn a game but also be given a chance to reimagine their futures. Through chess, Onakoya aims to give them the confidence and cognitive skills needed to rise above their current circumstances, proving that talent can flourish anywhere when given the right opportunities.