President Bola Tinubu has praised Tunde Onakoya, a skilled Chess player, for setting a remarkable new world chess record.
Tinubu expressed his gratitude to Onakoya for showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage.
This commendation came in a statement released by the President’s Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday.
The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu congratulates Tunde Onakoya on new world chess record,’ highlighted Tinubu’s appreciation for Onakoya’s achievement.
Onakoya made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, playing undefeated for over 58 hours.
During the marathon held at New York’s Times Square, Onakoya surpassed the record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.
Tinubu celebrated the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for this exceptional feat, particularly acknowledging his efforts in raising funds for African children to learn and thrive through chess.
The President highlighted Onakoya’s demonstration of the Nigerian youth’s ability to drive positive change, confront challenges, and innovate solutions.
He applauded the collective unity shown by Nigerians in supporting this groundbreaking initiative as a testament to the nation’s spirit of greatness.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering opportunities for youth to harness their potential and emerge as the vanguards of Nigeria’s future success.