The senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Abiru, has praised 29-year-old chess master and coach, Tunde Onakoya, for his recent impressive achievement.
Onakoya, from the Ikorodu Local Government Area of the state, set a new world record for the longest chess marathon, playing continuously for 60 hours in New York City’s Times Square to raise funds for underprivileged children across the continent.
The new chess champion surpassed the record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebo and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.
In a statement released on Sunday by his media aide, Enitan Olukotun, Senator Abiru praised the determination and persistence shown by Onakoya despite the challenges he faced while growing up in Ikorodu.
He highlighted that Onakoya’s remarkable accomplishment offers hope to many young individuals, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, who are working to achieve their goals.
As the founder of the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, which has provided hundreds of young people with training in tech talent development, data science, game development, and other digital skills, Senator Abiru emphasized Onakoya’s role as a source of inspiration for young people aiming for global recognition in their respective fields.
Senator Abiru said, “On behalf of the 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 accomplishment has paved the way for many young people in Ikorodu, Lagos East Senatorial District, and beyond to strive for excellence. He has shown that a determined and brave person can overcome adversity. I am proud of his outstanding achievement and the pride he has brought to our nation.
“I join his family and all Nigerians in celebrating this exceptional Ambassador, who has become a great source of inspiration for many Nigerians, especially young people.
Onakoya, providing an update on his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, wrote, “60 Hours for those who are not afraid to dream! 60 Hours for the millions of children who have been advised to give up on their dreams!
“60 Hours because one person decided that there is no future worth dreaming of that does not include them! It is now #Tunde60HoursofChess #Tunde_OD.
Onakoya’s accomplishment has received praise from many individuals, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold, among others.
