Nigerian professional chess player and coach, Tunde Onakoya, has presented the certificate of his Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon to President Bola Tinubu.
The Port City News reported that Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums, together with his U.S. counterpart, Shawn Martinez, set a new Guinness World Record in April after playing chess continuously for 64 hours.
Also Read: Tunde Onakoya: Chess Master Sets World Record
In a statement posted on his X page on Sunday, Tinubu said he received Onakoya at his residence in Lagos State. He added that Onakoya’s journey—from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records—reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.
“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him. Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him”, Tinubu said.
