Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya on the successful completion of his 60-hour Guiness World Record attempt for longest chess marathon by an individual.
President Tinubu commended the Nigerian chess master’s effort via a statement titled “President Tinubu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on new world chess record” and signed by his Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday.
According to the statement, the president thanked him for “sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim” having outshone the erstwhile record holders Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway whose record stood at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.
The statement read,
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mr. Tunde Onakoya on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.”
“Mr. Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon on Saturday, after playing for over 58 hours and winning every match in tow.
“President Tinubu celebrates the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for the rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess.
“The President states Mr. Onakoya has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to baffle impossibility, and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage.
“The President affirms that Nigeria’s youths have demonstrated in all fields, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, the pulsating skit-making enterprise, education, science, and technology, that great exploits can truly come from small quarters.
“President Tinubu commends the inclination of Nigerians – across artificial partitions – for unity, once again exemplified through their undiluted support for this epoch-making endeavour.
“The President assures all citizens that his administration remains strongly committed to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to explore and exercise their abilities and become the symbols of greatness our nation represents into the future.”
Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday also extended felicitations to the Nigerian chess master via a statement issued on his official X handle.
According to him, Onakoya’s record breaking attempt is an embodiment of the city of Lagos from which he journeyed to a national level back home in Nigeria and eventually achieving global recognition at the Times Square, New York where the chess marathon reportedly held.
Sanwo-Olu said, “Congratulations to chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. “Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“#Tunde_OD continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos-a city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.
“Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way.”
