Tunde Onakoya Presents Chess Marathon World Record to President Tinubu

Nigerian chess sensation and social impact advocate, Tunde Onakoya, on Monday, formally presented his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The record, achieved in April 2024 in New York City’s Times Square, was more than a personal milestone — it symbolized a global recognition of African resilience, talent, and grassroots ingenuity.

The 29-year-old founder of Chess in Slums Africa played continuously for 58 hours and 10 minutes, going undefeated in a mentally grueling challenge designed not only to break a record but to raise funds and awareness for children in underserved communities.

Receiving Onakoya and his team, President Tinubu commended the chess champion for using his platform to create opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

“You have shown the world the power of Nigerian determination, intelligence, and hope. You have not only broken records but built bridges of possibility for those who once saw none,” the president said.

Tinubu praised the Chess in Slums initiative as a model of social innovation and assured the young changemaker of the federal government’s support in expanding the project across Nigeria.

Onakoya began his record-setting journey on April 17, 2024, in New York City and played without a single defeat until the early hours of April 20.

The marathon, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, involved rotating opponents and only brief scheduled breaks, in line with stringent rules for endurance competitions.

But Onakoya wasn’t just playing to win — he was playing for change. Through a crowdfunding campaign, the event raised tens of thousands of dollars for education and development programs targeting children living in slum communities across Africa.

“This was about more than chess,” Onakoya said during his visit. “It was about showing what is possible when children are given a chance to dream, even in the harshest conditions,” he said.

Since founding Chess in Slums Africa in 2018, Onakoya has introduced chess to children in marginalized communities such as Makoko and Oshodi in Lagos.

The organization not only teaches chess but also offers mentorship, scholarships, and basic literacy, using the game as a gateway to learning and critical thinking.

His work has garnered international acclaim, including recognition from global educational foundations and tech leaders.

The chess marathon in Times Square catapulted his mission into a new spotlight, gaining coverage from CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, and other global outlets.

President Tinubu’s reception marks a pivotal moment for Onakoya’s mission, signaling potential federal support to scale up chess-based learning initiatives across public schools and urban slums.

Discussions are reportedly underway with the Ministry of Youth and the Ministry of Education to explore collaborative programs that integrate chess into national education and youth development strategies.

“Tunde’s achievement is a national inspiration — not just for chess, but for what it means to turn adversity into opportunity,” he noted.

Following his audience with the president, Onakoya is expected to hold strategy meetings with key government officials to chart a roadmap for scaling his programs. Plans are also underway to host more global chess fundraisers and possibly establish a national chess academy focused on at-risk youth.

As he left the State House, Onakoya reiterated his core message:

“Every child has a gift. Sometimes, all it takes is a pawn, a board, and a chance,” he concluded