Tunde Onakoya, a chess master, has begun an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest Chess marathon attracting the attention of some popular and influential people in Nigeria. The location of the chess marathon is in New York city. The current holder of the record is Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad (both Norway) who went 56 hr 09 min 37 sec in 2018.
Tunde Onakoya is a 29 year old whose sole ambition is not just surpassing the existing record of 56 hours in 2018, he is also aimed at raising funds to get gifts of chess for all the Slums Africa organisation. For more clarification this organisation uses chess to train children from less privileged backgrounds.
One of Onakoya’s key motivational statements that fuels him for the game was one gotten from a message on a sandwich poster near the gaming tables, saying that, “I’m playing for the dreams of millions of children globally without access to education.”
Tunde Onakoya also aspires to raise $1 million to help support the million of Africa Children that do not have access to education.
So far in the marathon, Onakoya has persevered for approximately 20 hours and more of continuous chess gameplay without losing to anyone.
The Nigerian leaders have said remarkable things about this excellent move by Tunde Onakoya which includes:
Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima:
“We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD), in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds. Mr. Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both at home and abroad, and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history, and inscribe our name in gold.”
The Lagos State Governor, Jide Sanwoolu:
“Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities.
@Tunde_OD; Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York. Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
The Chairman of Heirs Holding, Tony Elumelu:
“Good luck on checkmating New York @Tunde_OD as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Continue to serve as an inspiration especially to African youth! We are solidly behind you. #TOEWay”
The Former Vice President Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo:
“Dear Tunde, Best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.” Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of! God Bless You” @Tunde_OD -YO
PDP Presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar:
“Dear @Tunde_OD, I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. You can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground.” –AA
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar:
“Dear Tunde Onakoya, Your bid to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon in Times Square, New York, inspires us all. As you strive for this historic achievement, know that every Nigerian, near and far, supports you wholeheartedly. Your dedication to using chess to transform lives is commendable. We believe in you @Tunde_OD, and eagerly anticipate celebrating your remarkable achievement. You’ve got this!”
What we should note
Let’s not fail to consider that in 2018, Tunde Onakoya proposed that he will use the chess game to establish the less privileged children in Africa out of poverty. So far the Onakoya and the Slums Africa organization which he founded has been able to reach more than 10,000 children in Africa. With scholarship opportunities secured for many of them.
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