The 29-year-old chess master and coach Tunde Onakoya, who was born in Ikorodu, has received praise from Senator Adetokunbo Abiru of the Lagos East Senatorial District for breaking the world record in chess play.
In an effort to raise money for impoverished children, Onakoya played a flawless 60-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, shattering the previous record.
He surpassed the record set by Norwegian athletes Sjur Ferkingstad and Hallvard Haug Flatebø, who played for 56 hours and nine minutes in 2018.
In his Sunday congratulatory letter, the congressman praised Onakoya’s bravery and tenacity, pointing out that the extraordinary achievement had once again given many young people hope, especially those from low-income families attempting to realize their goals and dreams.
According to the statement signed by his media aide, Enitan Olukotun, Abiru said, “On behalf of the good people of Lagos East Senatorial District, I congratulate the Ikorodu-born global Chess Champion, Tunde Onakoya, for setting a world record for winning the longest chess marathon.
“This feat has set the stage for many young people in Ikorodu, Lagos East Senatorial District and beyond to reach for the top. He has demonstrated that adversity can never conquer a determined and courageous person. I am proud of his remarkable accomplishment and the honour he has brought to our dear nation.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the chess master on Saturday for breaking the previous record.
In a statement posted on his X account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Congratulations to chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.”
