President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya for setting a new world chess record clocked at 60 hours.
Onakoya is using the campaign to raise $1 million for his non-profit organization Chess In Slums, which exceeded the chess marathon record of 56 hours set in 2018, to an outpouring of support and cheers.
The President said Onakoya’s record-breaking campaign reflected the audacity of Nigeria’s youth population to baffle impossibility and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges.
He partly wrote; “I celebrate this Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for his 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,” he continued in his post.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the feat of the Chess master from Lagos, Nigeria, to global recognition embodies the spirit of Lagos as a great city.
He said: “Tunde 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.
Fans and supporters expect the record achieved at New York’s Times Square to be affirmed by the Guinness World Records review team in the coming days.
