Renowned Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday night, where he presented his Guinness World Record (GWR) certificate for the longest chess marathon.
The meeting was revealed via a post on President Tinubu’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. In the statement, the President lauded Onakoya’s remarkable achievements and praised his dedication to empowering underserved communities through chess and education.
“I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today, where he presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon,” Tinubu wrote. “Tunde’s journey—from the streets of Lagos to inspiring children and breaking world records—reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth.”
President Tinubu commended Onakoya’s commitment to social impact, stating that his work exemplifies how chess can open minds and transform lives, particularly in overlooked communities.
Expressing interest in scaling the initiative, Tinubu added, “I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide, and I look forward to welcoming him in Abuja to discuss how the government can support this vision. Tunde Onakoya’s mission aligns with our administration’s goals: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”
Tunde Onakoya, alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez, made global headlines in April 2024 when they set a new Guinness World Record by playing chess continuously for 64 hours in New York City. The feat broke the previous 60-hour record—briefly held by a Norwegian duo earlier in the year—and earned widespread acclaim.
Onakoya’s nonprofit initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, uses chess as a tool to mentor, educate, and uplift children in impoverished communities, blending strategy with opportunity to drive real change across the continent.
