TUNDE ONAKOYA MEETS TINUBU, PRESENTS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD CERTIFICATE (PHOTOS)

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Renowned Nigerian chess player and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu on Monday night, during which he presented his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon.

The meeting was revealed in a post on President Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where he praised Onakoya for his impactful work with underserved children and his commitment to advancing education and development through the game of chess.

The president wrote, “I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.

“Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.

“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked.”

Tinubu also expressed interest in exploring how Onakoya’s initiative could be expanded nationally.

“I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide, and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him.

“Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.

“Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”

Recall that Onakoya, alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing continuously for 64 hours in New York City.

The feat surpassed his earlier record of 60 hours, which was briefly overtaken by a Norwegian duo in 2024.