President Tinubu receives Tunde Onakoya, chess marathon world record holder, calling him a symbol of youth resilience and pledging federal support to scale his impact across Nigeria
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Tinubu receives Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, for his historic achievement in setting the world record for the longest chess marathon, describing him as a symbol of Nigerian youth resilience and brilliance.
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In a statement shared after receiving Onakoya at his Lagos residence, President Tinubu celebrated the young changemaker’s journey from the streets of Lagos to global recognition.
“Tunde’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to uplifting underserved children and breaking world records, reflects the resilience and brilliance of Nigeria’s youth,” the President stated.
Tunde Onakoya, who recently made headlines for completing a 60-hour chess marathon in New York City’s Times Square, presented his official Guinness World Record to the President during the visit.
President Tinubu commended Onakoya’s efforts to use chess as a tool for social transformation in marginalised communities and expressed interest in replicating the initiative nationwide.
Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.
“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked. I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide,” Tinubu said.
He also extended an invitation to Onakoya to visit Abuja, noting that the federal government is eager to explore ways to support his work and ensure that “no child is left behind, no talent wasted.”
“Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him,” the President concluded.
Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa has reached thousands of children across Lagos, Ogun, and other states, using the game of chess to foster education, discipline, and hope among children in slum communities.
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His record-breaking feat not only highlights his personal determination but also places Nigerian youth on the global stage.
