Renowned Nigerian chess master and media personality, Tunde Onakoya, has announced he will sponsor the education of a young girl whose mother was recently exposed in a viral video for taking her child to work at 4:00 AM. Onakoya, deeply moved by the emotional footage, has pledged to provide a full scholarship for the girl’s education, covering all costs up to university level.
The incident, which took place in Ikoyi, Lagos, saw a woman and her daughter subjected to public embarrassment while carrying out menial work in the early hours of the morning. The video, which captured the mother sweeping and her daughter helping with the chores, quickly spread on social media, sparking an outpouring of reactions from Nigerians.
Upon seeing the viral video, Onakoya, who is known for his philanthropic efforts and support for underprivileged communities, expressed his sadness at the situation. “When I saw the video, it broke my heart. The woman and her daughter didn’t deserve to be treated that way,” Onakoya said in an interview. The video depicted the woman, who appeared to be carrying out cleaning duties in a public space, and her daughter, who was helping her mother with the sweeping task.
The video quickly sparked conversations on social media about poverty, the struggle of single mothers, and the difficulties faced by many Nigerians in providing for their families. Many viewers were moved by the sight of the girl, who, despite her tender age, was already being exposed to the hard realities of life.
“I remember how my mother used to sweep people’s houses and gutters back in 2016,” Onakoya shared. “I used to insist on going with her just to help fetch the water she needed so we could finish quicker and get back home before daylight. It was tough, but we did it because we had no other choice.”
Onakoya, who has been vocal about his own struggles growing up, felt a deep connection with the young girl in the video. Recognizing the potential for the child to escape the cycle of hardship through education, Onakoya decided to take action.
The chess master took to social media to announce his decision to sponsor the girl’s education, writing, “I am offering a full scholarship for this girl’s education. From now on, she will not have to worry about school fees, and I will ensure she gets the opportunity to go to university. No child should have to endure such hardship, and I want to help her achieve her dreams.”
Onakoya’s gesture has been widely praised, with many Nigerians commending his generosity and kindness. “It’s heartwarming to see someone with such influence using their platform for good. This will change the girl’s life and give her a chance to break free from the struggles her mother faces,” one social media user commented.
The identity of the young girl, whose name has been kept private for her safety and privacy, remains unknown to the public. However, her mother’s actions have brought the girl’s situation into the spotlight, leading to a wave of support for both of them. The mother, who has not been identified by name, appears to have been performing the cleaning task as part of her daily routine to provide for her family. The early hours of the morning, around 4:00 AM, are typically seen as the time when people undertake such jobs in a bid to make ends meet before the sun rises.
While the mother’s motives were likely driven by necessity, the video that caught her in the act drew attention to the often-overlooked struggles of many Nigerian women who work in menial jobs to support their families. The act of taking her daughter to work with her at such an early hour demonstrated the level of poverty and hardship these women endure.
Onakoya, who hails from a humble background, shared how his personal experiences shaped his decision to help the girl. “Growing up, we didn’t have much. My mother worked hard to make sure we had food to eat, and I watched her struggle to make ends meet. That experience has stayed with me, and I understand the value of education as a way to change one’s circumstances.”
Onakoya’s own journey from a young boy who helped his mother with chores to becoming a chess champion and media personality is one of resilience and perseverance. His story of overcoming poverty and rising through hard work has inspired many, and his decision to sponsor the girl’s education is seen as an extension of his commitment to lifting others.
The scholarship, which will cover the girl’s schooling from primary through to university level, offers a beacon of hope for the young girl and her mother. With education often regarded as one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty, this opportunity could be the key to changing the girl’s future.
“The girl has shown resilience even at a young age, helping her mother despite the hardships they face. With the right education, I believe she can achieve great things and lift her family out of poverty,” Onakoya said.
The impact of this scholarship goes beyond just providing financial support for school fees. It represents an opportunity for the girl to break free from the limitations of her environment and pursue her dreams without the burdens of financial hardship weighing on her future.
Onakoya’s gesture has also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of community support and the role of individuals and organizations in lifting others out of poverty. Many Nigerians have expressed admiration for Onakoya’s initiative, with some calling for more people in positions of influence to step up and support vulnerable individuals in society.
The media personality’s action is a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. It also highlights the power of education as a tool for transformation and the need for more investments in the future of Nigeria’s children.
