Former Nigerian vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his support for renowned chess master, Tunde Onakoya, as he aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in New York. Onakoya officially started the marathon on Wednesday with the message “Game time.”
Excited about the overwhelming support, Onakoya shared, “We haven’t even started yet and Nigerians are already trooping into camp out with me.”
In a tweet from his official handle on Thursday, Atiku encouraged Onakoya to push boundaries and break records.
Atiku’s tweet read, “Dear @Tunde_OD, I stand with millions of Nigerians worldwide in wishing you success in your quest to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon. Your remarkable determination so far serves as a true inspiration. I am cheering for your groundbreaking achievement. -AA.”
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also showed his support for Onakoya’s Guinness World Record attempt.
In his message, Sanwo-Olu stated, “Every great triumph begins with a single bold move, much like a daring gambit—a courageous step towards reshaping possibilities.”
He continued, “@Tunde_OD; Lagos is behind you as you challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square, New York. Taking the incredible work you initiated in Lagos with young talents to a global platform truly exemplifies how excellence can emerge from any place.”