President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed Nigerian Chess player and coach, Tunde Onakoya, at his residence on Monday 9 June, 2025.
Onakoya, founded of Chess in Slums Africa, presented his Guinness World Record Certificate for the longest Chess Marathon to the President.
Tunde Onakoya broke the world record for the longest Chess marathon; he was still at the board after playing for fifty-eight (58) successive hours.
The previous world record, recognised by Guinness World records, was 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds, which was set by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
President Tinubu hailed Onakoya saying, the Chess Master’s “journey” which began in the streets of Lagos “to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records” show the “resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth”.
President Tinubu said: “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.”
Onakoya, through chess, beautifully “opens minds” and cause the transformation of lives in communities that are “too often overlooked”.
The President expressed his interest in seeing how Onakoya’s work can be “replicated nationwide”, adding, he is expecting to receiving the chess coach in Abuja “to hear how the government can support him”.
The President said, Tunde Onakoya’s “vision” corresponds with that of his administration, which is “no child left behind, no talent wasted”.
President Tinubu said: “Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. 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.
“Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted.
“Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”
Onakoya broke the record for the longest chess marathon after playing for sixty (60) hours at times square, New York City, United States (US).
In his congratulatory message to Tunde Onakoya, President Tinubu said: “Congratulations Tunde 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.”
