WorldStage Newsonline– President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have congratulated Tunde Onakoya on setting a new world chess record and putting up Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity for global acclaim.
A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Saturday in Abuja said that 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.
He said that the President celebrated the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for the rare feat.
He said Tinubu also lauded 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,” he said.
Ngelale said the President assured all citizens that his administration remains 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.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Onakoya’s remarkable story showed that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while commending Tunde Onakoya for beating World Guinness records, said the journey of the Chess master from Lagos, Nigeria, to global recognition embodies the spirit of Lagos as a great city.
He said: “Congratulations to Chess Master Tunde Onakoya on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York, United States of America. Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“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.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way.”
