Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, showed his unwavering support on Tuesday for chess master, Tunde Onakoya in his attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Osinbajo, In a personally written statement on his social media pages, he reiterated the words of the chess master: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
The Guinness World Records revealed that the longest chess marathon of 56 hours, 09 minutes, and 37 seconds was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway on November 11, 2018.
Osinbajo noted, “Dear Tunde Onakoya, Best of luck in Times Square tomorrow as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon! Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: “It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
“Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you’re made of!”
He added, “God bless you. Amen.
Chronicle NG reported that Tunde Onakoya announced his plan to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon “for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”
Onakoya revealed that he will attempt to play chess for 58 hours without losing a game.
Times Square in New York City will host the event from 10 a.m. on April 17 to 8 p.m. on April 19.
He wrote on his “X” page, “On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guiness World record for the longest chess marathon in the heart of Times Square, New York City, for 58 hours without losing a game.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”
Onakoya further solicited the support of Nigerians, urging them to come forward and show the “unwavering” Nigerian spirit.
“You guys have been rock solid for me through the years, so I need all of us to come together now more than ever to show the world that the Nigerian spirit is unwavering and we can do great things from a small place against all odds,” he wrote.
Onakoya is the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, an organisation that aims to provide mentorship and unlock the potential of underprivileged children using chess educational resources.
