On Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State hosted Nigerian chess coach Tunde Onakoya at the Lagos House, Ikeja. This was after Tunde's arrival from New York City, where he set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at 60 hours.
It was gathered that the chess master received a heartwarming welcome upon his return to Nigeria on Wednesday.
Announcing Tunde's visit on his X (formally Twitter) handle, Sanwo-Olu wrote, Powerful visions birth movements that change lives. Today, we welcomed back #Tunde_OD, our chess champion, to Lagos.
His journey personifies the spirit of Lagos: resilient and ambitious. As we commemorate his achievements, we're motivated by his vision for empowering our children and youth.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also revealed that the state will provide resources to assist Tunde’s mission and make sure that every child in Lagos has the opportunity to thrive through chess.
The governor added, Together with Tunde and the transformative power of chess, we'll work towards a future where every child in Lagos has the opportunity to realise their full potential.
The state proudly supports his mission, actively making available resources to fuel this noble cause now and in the future.
Recall that Tunde, together with his United States partner, Shawn Martinez, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9 minutes in 2018.
