Kayode Adewumi

Kayode Adewumi is the father of Tani, the eight-year-old Nigerian-born boy who recently won the New York State Chess Championship

Kayode Adewumi is the father of Tani, the eight-year-old Nigerian-born boy who recently won the New York State Chess Championship after playing the game for only a year. The Adewumi family's story begins amidst Boko Haram's reign of terror in their native country of Nigeria and takes them to a New York City homeless shelter, where they waited to be granted religious asylum. Kayode, who came from a royal Nigerian family, became a dishwasher and Uber driver to support his family. His wife, Oluwaytoyin, whose family owned the largest printing press in Nigeria and had been working at a bank for over a decade, trained to become a home-aid. So, when Tani asked to join the chess program at PS 116, which required a fee, it seemed unlikely. Oluwatoyin wrote to the coach, who offered Tani a scholarship. Miracles led Tani and his family to New York. As Kayode puts it, "There are many times in my life where I thought this must be the miracle, and yet I did not know that the miracle had not yet begun."

Philosopher's Notes on Kayode Adewumi's Books

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Philosopher's Notes

My Name Is Tani

by Tanitoluwa Adewumi, Kayode Adewumi, Oluwatoyin Adewumi and Craig Borlase

Tanitoluwa Adewumi, known as Tani, is one of the greatest young chess players in the country, and his story is nothing short of miraculous. Born in Nigeria, Tani and his family fled religious persecution, arriving in the U.S. as refugees. While living in a homeless shelter, Tani defied all odds to win the New York State K-3 Chess Championship. This book, written by Tani and his parents, captures the family’s journey of resilience, hope, and faith. From finding shelter in America to winning his first chess trophy, Tani’s story is one of Heroic determination and belief in miracles. I couldn’t put the book down, and it’s packed with Big Ideas about overcoming adversity, staying committed to your dreams, and how the impossible can become reality with the right mindset. I’m excited to share some of my favorite Big Ideas from the book—let’s jump straight in!

Quotes by Kayode Adewumi

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My father would look at me, place his hands on his hips, and lock eyes on mine. ‘I am teaching you how to make it in life. You are a prince, but do you want to be a king like my father? Nobody will ever choose a lazy person to be king. Never rely on your family name alone. Work hard, always.’

Kayode Adewumi

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When my wife and I named our sons, we chose carefully. Our firstborn, Austin, named Adesina. It means ‘God opens doors to us.’ The world now knows our son as Tani, but Tanitoluwa means ‘Who is like God?’

Kayode Adewumi