Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent a message of support to chess guru Tunde Onakoya who is on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon.
Cheering him on, Mr Sanwo-Olu wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday night: “…Lagos is rooting for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere.”
On Thursday morning, Mr Onakoya who is targeting a 58-hour long marathon play on the chess board announced he has crossed the 16-hour mark; meaning he has 42 hours more to go.
He wrote: “16 hours in, 42 to go. 🙏🏾 There’s no stopping till will hit our target.”
Osinbajo writes Tunde Onakoya as chess guru begins Guinness World Record attempt
The 58-hour marathon kicked off on Wednesday at 10 am in the heart of New York City’s Times Square and is scheduled to conclude on April 19 at 8 pm.
Onakoya announced his attempt on his X account on April 5.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” he posted.
The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway in November 2018.
Former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar and Yemi Osinbajo have also sent support messages to him.
