Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has applauded Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya for setting a new Guinness World Record with a 64-hour chess marathon, describing the feat as a national pride. In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), the governor also recognized young chess talents nurtured through Onakoya’s Chess in Slums initiative.
Onakoya, alongside American player Shawn Martinez, achieved the record during an intense marathon at New York’s Times Square from April 17-20. The emotional event saw Martinez’s wife bringing their newborn twins to the venue, adding a poignant family moment to the grueling challenge.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the achievement: “Tunde’s perseverance and commitment highlight the incredible potential within our youth. This isn’t just a personal victory but a triumph for Lagos and Nigeria.”
The governor specially acknowledged:
- Ferdinand, a young chess enthusiast whose strategic thinking impressed him during a recent meeting
- Jamiu Boluwatife, winner of the ICN Chess Championship
- Participants from Chess in Slums who excelled at the 2025 UN Games chess tournament
“These children represent the best of our community,” Sanwo-Olu wrote. “Their achievements prove that with determination, Nigerian youth can conquer global stages.”
Onakoya’s initiative, Chess in Slums, continues transforming lives by using chess to develop critical thinking among underprivileged children. The governor expressed confidence that this record would inspire more young Nigerians to pursue excellence in unconventional fields.
The historic marathon saw Onakoya and Martinez playing continuously against opponents while adhering to Guinness World Records’ strict guidelines, including limited break periods. Medical teams monitored the players throughout the physically and mentally demanding challenge.
