The government of the United States of America has granted asylum to Twelve-year-old Nigerian chess champion, Tanitoluwa Adewumi, and his family.
Recall that Adewumi became popular suddenly after winning the New York state chess championship for his division in 2019.
Before his achievement, the twelve-year-old was living with his family in a homeless shelter.
His family including himself, his parents, and his older brother arrived in New York after fleeing Nigeria in 2017 in the heat of Boko Haram attacks in the country.
They had sought religious asylum after the family arrived in the country.
Asylum refers to protection or safety given by a government to people who have been forced to leave their own countries for their safety or because of war.
According to Washington Post on Wednesday, the US officially granted the family asylum.
“We feel so relieved. Everybody is so happy,” said Tani’s father, Kayode Adewumi
Due to the delay in granting them asylum, the young lad has been unable to travel to tournaments abroad.
Reacting to the development, Tani said, “It feels amazing because it’s been such a long journey. I’m just grateful that we’ve gotten this opportunity.”
Part of Tani’s dream is to become a Chess Grandmaster.