Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, to the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, following Onakoya’s remarkable achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon of 60 hours in New York City.
Onakoya, who received a warm reception upon his return to Nigeria, was honored by Governor Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding accomplishment. Taking to his social media handle, Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed Onakoya’s journey as emblematic of Lagos’ resilient and ambitious spirit, driven by a passion for success and empowerment.
“Powerful visions birth movements that change lives. Today, we welcomed back #Tunde_OD, our chess champion, to Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu shared. “His journey embodies the spirit of Lagos—resilient, ambitious, and driven to succeed. As we celebrate his achievements, we’re inspired by his vision for empowering our children and youth.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged the state’s support for Onakoya’s mission, ensuring that every child in Lagos has the opportunity to thrive through chess. “Together with Tunde and the transformative power of Chess, we’ll work towards a future where every child in Lagos has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced plans to provide resources to fuel Onakoya’s noble cause, both presently and in the future. “The state proudly supports his mission, purposefully providing resources to fuel this noble cause now and in the future,” he stated.
Onakoya, along with his United States partner, Shawn Martinez, surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flateb and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018, playing for 56 hours and 9 minutes. Their achievement not only secured a place in the Guinness World Records but also exemplified the power of dedication and perseverance in pursuing excellence.
