President Bola Tinubu extended congratulations to Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya on Saturday for his groundbreaking chess marathon campaign held at Times Square in New York.
In a post on X, President Tinubu commended Tunde Onakoya, acknowledging his achievement as a new world record holder and praising him for showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on a global stage.
“I congratulate Tunde Onakoya @Tunde_OD on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim,” President Tinubu posted on X.
Onakoya embarked on the chess marathon campaign with the goal of raising $1 million for his non-profit organization, Chess In Slums. His effort surpassed the previous chess marathon record of 56 hours set in 2018, garnering widespread support and cheers from fans and supporters worldwide.
While awaiting confirmation of the record by the Guinness World Records review team in the coming days, entrepreneurs, corporate brands, and entertainers rallied behind Onakoya, offering encouragement and pledging financial support for his charitable cause.
President Tinubu hailed Onakoya’s endeavor as emblematic of the Nigerian youth’s spirit, characterized by audacity and a commitment to effect positive change. He praised the chess champion for his dedication to raising funds to provide African children with opportunities to learn and thrive through chess.
“I celebrate this Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for his rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess,” he continued in his post.
“Tunde has shown a streak customary among Nigeria’s youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to baffle impossibility, and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage.”
The president also lauded the unity demonstrated by Nigerians, both at home and abroad, in rallying behind Onakoya’s goal. He emphasized the youth’s capacity to achieve remarkable feats across various fields, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, education, science, and technology.
Notable personalities, including Afrobeats star Davido, showed support for Onakoya’s marathon at Times Square, with Davido presenting him with a 30BG chain.
President Tinubu commended the unity displayed by Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth to harness their talents and contribute to the nation’s progress.
“Nigeria’s youths have demonstrated in all fields, including Afrobeats, Nollywood, the pulsating skit-making enterprise, education, science, and technology, that great exploits can truly come from small quarters,” he said.
“I commend the inclination of Nigerians – across artificial partitions – for unity, once again exemplified through their undiluted support for this epoch-making endeavour.
“I assure all citizens that my administration remains strongly committed to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to explore and exercise their abilities and become the symbols of greatness our nation represents into the future.”
President Tinubu expressed confidence in the Nigerian youth’s ability to epitomize greatness and assured citizens of his administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering an environment conducive to their growth and success.
