‘My Parents Thought I was Evil’, Keji, Chess In Slums finalist, tells Neusroom

“The day I left Ibadan, my mother gave me N200 to buy N150 food and bring N50 change. I left the house and never returned.”

I met Keji engrossed in a game of chess. He came second in the Chess in Slums competition under the bridge in Oshodi and had become a sort of a local celebrity. He smiled when I teased him that his second position was befitting, considering his name. 

There was something different about Keji. He seemed reserved, and his voice was low, so I had to strain my ear to hear...