Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has presented his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Beer company Guinness honoured Onakoya for playing chess for 64 hours non-stop alongside American player Shawn Martinez.
The feat, which took place in New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to 20, officially surpassed the previous world record of 61 hours and was certified by Guinness.
Onakoya undertook the challenge to raise $1 million for his non-profit, “Chess in Slums Africa,” an initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged children through chess education.
President Tinubu, after receiving the record certificate and a custom-made chess gift, took to social media on Tuesday to commend the chess star.
“I had a great time meeting with Tunde Onakoya, @Tunde_OD,” the president wrote.
“He shared with me the inspiring journey he’s been on for the past ten years, using chess as a powerful tool to transform the lives of children in slum communities.
“Through his work, he’s helped many of them out of the slums and into local and international schools, using the game not just to teach, but to build critical thinking and open doors.”
On his own platforms, Onakoya shared a photo of the moment, writing: “One special edition gold-plated Adire chess set, gifted to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, @officialABAT.”
In addition to Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya is also the co-founder of Great Minds Chess Academy.
