President Bola Tinubu and opposition leaders, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have congratulated chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on his world record-breaking chess marathon campaign at the Times Square in New York on Saturday.
Onakoya set a new 60-hour chess marathon record, which is awaiting the Guinness World Record’s endorsement.
His feat exceeded the chess marathon record of 56 hours set in 2018.
Onakoya, who founded Chess in Slums, is using the campaign to raise $1 million for the non-profit organisation.
Tinubu speaks
Reacting through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu said Onakoya sounded the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim.
“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,” the presidential statement read in part.
Atiku reacts
In a terse message he personally signed, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared, “Checkmate! Congratulations, Tunde Onakoya.”
Obi reacts
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi said, “My dear Tunde Onakoya, I dutifully followed with keen interest, your noble mission and cherished aspirations to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon for 58 hours.
“I rejoice with you and celebrate you for achieving this very remarkable feat and for setting a new record of 60 hours. Your confidence, through this journey, is a bold testimony to your unwavering strength and burning desire and passion for success.
“Your victory is another poignant reminder that Nigeria is home to millions of diversely talented youths, waiting to shine on the global stage.
“Thank you for adding your talent and voice in inspiring millions of Nigerian youths to remain committed to the virtues of hard work and excellence, through which we will build the New Nigeria we look forward to.
“Congratulations to you once again!”
