Tinubu, Sowore, others drum support for Nigerian chess kid wizard, Onakoya

By Samuel Ogunsona

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading opposition figure, Omoyele Sowore have called for support for chess whizkid, Tunde Onakoya. He was born October 6,1994

Tunde is on a mission to break the Guinness World record for longest chess marathon without losing a game.

The chess marathon is slated for the Times Square, New York City, United States of America.

Among prominent Nigerians who throw weight behind the chess master includes the President, Tinubu, the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria activist, Omoyele Sowore among others. Sowore said he was anxious to see Tunde emerge as victorious.

Onakoya who started the chess marathon on Wednesday has hit 55-hours out of the 58-hour target as at the time of Irohinoodua’s report.

The chess master took to his X page to announce that he is embarking on this challenge for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.

Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who declared his support on his X page said the country is proud of Onakoye’s humanitarian interventions and for representing Nigeria on the global stage.

“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 distinguish 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, his post read.

Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu who also rooted for the chess master said the phenomenal work he started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament.

“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 Governor stated on his X page.

Onakoya who started the challenge 10am on Wednesday, April 17, is expected to break the Guinness World Record 8pm on Friday, April 19.