Tunde Onakoya: Why I Rejected Life-Changing Money
Tunde Onakoya, a prominent Nigerian chess player, has recently shared his compelling reasons for declining a substantial financial offer that could have significantly transformed his life. As the founder of the initiative Chess In Slums, Onakoya took to his social media platform, X, to elaborate on his decision, emphasizing that it was not rooted in a belief that the offer was inherently wrong. Instead, he highlighted a deeper alignment with his personal values and long-term vision.
In his post, Onakoya described the decision as particularly challenging, reflecting on the internal struggle he faced. He noted that while the financial opportunity was tempting, it ultimately did not resonate with the principles he stands for. For him, integrity holds greater importance than monetary gain.
At 30 years old, Onakoya expressed his conviction that staying true to oneself is paramount in the pursuit of success. He stated, “I recently turned down life-changing money. Not because it was exactly wrong, but it did not align with my values or the vision of who I’m becoming.” He acknowledged the difficulty of his choice, admitting to moments of wrestling with the idea of accepting the offer. However, he concluded that true wealth lies in maintaining one’s integrity, stating, “In the end, integrity is the real wealth. I feel liberated by my decision. I can do anything now.”
Onakoya also took a moment to express his gratitude towards his mentor, @OgaBoxx, for providing guidance during this tumultuous period. He appreciated the grace and wisdom that helped him navigate the complexities of his decision-making process.
Through this experience, Onakoya not only reinforces his commitment to his values but also serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes from aligning one’s actions with their core beliefs, even in the face of tempting financial offers.
