President Bola Tinubu has offered his congratulations to Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for achieving a new world chess record, heralding Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage, headlinenews.news reports.
Onakoya shattered the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon on Saturday, engaging in over 58 hours of continuous play and emerging victorious in every match.
In a statement conveyed by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for this remarkable accomplishment. He highlighted the underlying motivation behind Onakoya’s extraordinary endurance—a drive to raise funds for African children to learn and thrive through chess.
The President applauded Onakoya for exemplifying a characteristic shared among Nigeria’s youth—an audacious spirit that defies impossibility and drives innovation and problem-solving, even in the face of adversity.
President Tinubu affirmed the track record of Nigeria’s youth across various fields, showcasing that remarkable achievements can indeed spring from modest beginnings. He also lauded the unity demonstrated by Nigerians in supporting Onakoya’s groundbreaking endeavor, transcending artificial divides.
Assuring all citizens of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for youth to unleash their potential and become beacons of excellence for the nation’s future, President Tinubu reiterated his dedication to this cause.
Likewise, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed Tunde Onakoya for his accomplishment in setting a new 60-hour chess marathon record.
In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu commended Onakoya’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to global recognition, describing it as a testament to the spirit of the city.
The governor celebrated Onakoya’s resilience and determination, noting that his story serves as an inspiration for all Lagosians. He emphasized that Onakoya’s impact on the city has been profound, demonstrating that with perseverance, dreams can indeed reach extraordinary heights.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted how Tunde’s journey was broadcast on digital billboards and celebrated through watch parties, capturing the essence of Lagos’ vibrant spirit. Despite facing challenges such as pain and fatigue, Onakoya persisted, driven by his commitment to empower the children he advocates for.
In conclusion, Sanwo-Olu affirmed that this moment belongs to Tunde, with Lagos standing firmly by his side every step of the way.
