President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have commended chess maestro Tunde Onakoya for setting a new world chess record during a marathon event held at New York’s Times Square.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to Onakoya for highlighting Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on a global platform. The statement from the Presidency, signed by the President’s Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated Onakoya’s achievement and the charitable motive behind it, aimed at supporting African children through chess education.
Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing undefeated for over 58 hours, surpassing the previous record set by Norwegian players in 2018.
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Governor Sanwo-Olu also lauded Onakoya for his remarkable accomplishment, praising his journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to international recognition as a testament to the spirit of the city. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the inspirational impact of Onakoya’s story, which demonstrates that greatness can emerge from humble beginnings and serve as a blueprint for all Lagosians.
Onakoya’s feat was celebrated widely, with digital billboards showcasing his journey and watch parties held in Lagos to mark the occasion. Despite enduring physical challenges during the marathon, Onakoya remained committed to empowering disadvantaged children through his charitable efforts.
The foundation associated with Onakoya, Chess in Slums Africa, highlighted the significance of the 60-hour milestone as a symbol of daring to dream and advocating for educational opportunities for millions of underprivileged children across Africa.
