Chijioke Gabriel
Renowned Nigerian chess player and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday night and presented his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon.
The meeting was disclosed in a post shared on the president’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, where Tinubu commended Onakoya for his work with underserved children and his efforts to promote education and development through chess.
The president wrote, “I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.
“Tunde’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.”
Tinubu also expressed interest in exploring how Onakoya’s initiative could be expanded nationally.
“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.
Onakoya, alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez, set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon after playing continuously for 64 hours in New York City.
The feat surpassed his earlier record of 60 hours, which was briefly overtaken by a Norwegian duo in 2024.
