Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess champion who recently made headlines for setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, returned home to Lagos on Wednesday amidst a jubilant reception.
Onakoya’s remarkable achievement, achieved during a marathon session in New York City, saw him play chess continuously for an astonishing 60 hours. This surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.
The 29-year-old’s feat not only earned him global recognition but also raised an impressive $150,000 for children’s education initiatives across Africa.
Reflecting on his achievement, Onakoya expressed immense pride, stating, “I feel really proud of this moment, because I get to share it with so many people.”
Accompanied by American chess champion Shawn Martinez, in adherence to Guinness World Record guidelines, Onakoya’s record-breaking endeavor captivated audiences worldwide.
Despite the monumental achievement, the confirmation of the record by Guinness World Records may take several weeks.
Upon his return to Lagos, Onakoya was greeted by his parents, supporters, and armed guards at Murtala Muhammed airport. Among his well-wishers was Ayomide Ojo Emmanuel, a former homeless individual whose life was transformed by Onakoya’s philanthropic efforts.
Recalling his encounter with Onakoya, Emmanuel stated, “He found me under the bridge in Osodi, where I was homeless… So, he gave me life.”
Indeed, Onakoya’s impact extends far beyond the chessboard. In 2018, he established Chess in Slums Africa, a charitable organization dedicated to providing education opportunities to one million children in slum communities across the continent.
For Onakoya, breaking the Guinness World Record was not just about personal achievement but also about raising awareness for his organization’s noble mission.
As he continues to inspire others with his remarkable journey, Onakoya remains committed to making a positive impact on society, one move at a time.
