- Tinubu Says It Shows Nigerians Resilience, Youth Innovation
By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on setting a new world chess record.
The president said the record represents Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.
Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, hailed renowned chess Onakoya on a remarkable achievement, setting a new 60-hour chess marathon record.
The New Diplomat reports that Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon on Saturday, after playing for over 58 hours and winning every match in tow.
Tinubu, in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said that Onakoya has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to baffle impossibility, and to propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage.
The President affirmed 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 commended the inclination of Nigerians – across artificial partitions – for unity, once again exemplified through their undiluted support for this epoch-making endeavor.
Sanwo-Olu, on his X account on Saturday, praised Onakoya for breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York.
He praised Onakoya’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition, stating that it embodies the city’s spirit.
He wrote: “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 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.”
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.
The new record holder said he attempted to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
