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Tag: Tunde Onakoya

  • Sanwo-Olu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on new world chess record

    Sanwo-Olu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on new world chess record

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated renowned chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, for setting a new 60-hour chess marathon record.

    In a statement on his X account on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu hailed 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 spirit of the city.

    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.

    Read Also: Chess-a-thon: Tunde Onakoya hits 58-hour mark, pushes for 60-hour

    “@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-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.”

    Onakoya, who teamed up with US chess master Shawn Martinez played chess non-stop in Times Square in New York City for 60 hours, much to the attention and support of Nigerians and other New Yorkers.

    Giving an update, his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, wrote: “60 Hours for those who dare to dream! 60 Hours for the millions of children who have been told to abandon their dreams!

    “60 Hours because one person decided that there is no future worth dreaming of that does not include them! It is now #Tunde60HoursofChess #Tunde_OD.”

    Onakoya is using the Guinness world record attempt as an avenue to raise $1 million to support children in underprivileged communities across Africa with access to education.

  • Tinubu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on setting new world chess record

    Tinubu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on setting new world chess record

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian Chess Champion, Tunde Onakoya, on setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. 

    Onakoya achieved this feat by playing for over 58 hours and winning every match, showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised Onakoya not only for his remarkable achievement but also for his mission to raise funds for African children to learn and find opportunities through chess. 

    The President noted that Onakoya’s determination and innovative spirit are characteristic of Nigeria’s youth population, who continue to make a positive impact in various fields, including music, film, education, science, and technology.

    Read Also: Chess-a-thon: Tunde Onakoya hits 58-hour mark, pushes for 60-hour

    Tinubu also commended the unity and support shown by Nigerians from all walks of life for Onakoya’s record-breaking endeavor, demonstrating the country’s potential for greatness when citizens come together. 

    The President reassured citizens that his administration remains committed to creating and expanding opportunities for youth to explore their abilities and become symbols of Nigeria’s greatness in the future.

    Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has made history and inspired a nation with his remarkable achievement. 

    His dedication to empowering African children through chess is a testament to the power of innovation and determination.

  • Chess-a-thon: Tunde Onakoya hits 58-hour mark, pushes for 60-hour

    Chess-a-thon: Tunde Onakoya hits 58-hour mark, pushes for 60-hour

    Chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess as he hit 58 hours. 

    Onakoya confirmed this in a post on his official X account in the early hours of Saturday morning. 

    He wrote: “We have done it. We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.

    “We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

    Read Also: 58-Hour Chess Marathon: 11 important things to know about Tunde Onakoya

    “Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen”.

    Onakoya didn’t just break the record but displaced the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.

    The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

  • 58-Hour Chess Marathon: 11 important things to know about Tunde Onakoya

    58-Hour Chess Marathon: 11 important things to know about Tunde Onakoya

    Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, on April 17, began his attempt to set a 58-hour chess marathon record.

    The Chess in Slums founder had got best wishes from former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo and many other Nigerians.

    Here are 11 things to know about Tunde Onakoya’s 58-Hour Chess Marathon:

    1. The marathon began at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, and is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m. on April 19.

    2. Onakoya aims to play continuously for 58 hours without suffering a defeat.

    3. The marathon is currently underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square.

    4. The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds.

    5. Onakoya is using this record attempt to raise $1 million for his nonprofit organization Chess in Slums Africa.

    6. The $1 million fundraising target would allow Chess in Slums Africa to build a free chess academy and STEM innovation lab in Lagos that street children can access.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    7. Onakoya is calling on 1,000 donors to contribute and help him reach the $1 million goal through this 58-hour chess marathon

    8. The current record holders for the longest chess marathon are Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway, who played for 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds.

    9. Tunde’s marathan attempt can be watched live on https://tiltify.com/@tundeonakoya/tunde-onakoya

    10. Afrobeats singer Davido also visited Tunde Onakoya after his performance at the maddison square garden.

    11. As of the time of reporting Onakoya is six hours away from breaking the record.

  • PHOTOS: Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    PHOTOS: Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    Tunde Onakoya

    Read Also: PHOTOS: 24 hours in Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon

    Tunde Onakoya
  • Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    Chess-a-thon: Davido visits, supports Tunde Onakoya in New York

    Grammy-nominated singer Davido paid a visit to the Nigerian Chess master, Tunde Onakoya at Times Square in New York.

    Onakoya, who is seeking to surpass the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon for 58 hours, commenced the exercise on Wednesday. 

    Davido, who recently sold out the iconic New York’s Madison Square Garden, graced the event to give moral support to his compatriot.

    In videos making the rounds on social media, the singer and the elated chess master could be seen hugging and dancing.

    Onakoya’s chess marathon is scheduled to end today, April 19.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: 24 hours in Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon

    Another Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold supported the chess master when he visited the venue on Wednesday and made donations to assist in the live streaming of the event.

    Onakoya has emerged triumphant in all encounters so far, including his match with New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.

  • PHOTOS: 24 hours in Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon

    PHOTOS: 24 hours in Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon

    24 hours in Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya remains unbeaten in chess marathon

    Read Also: 58-hour chess marathon: Osinbajo sends best wishes to Tunde Onakoya