The Guinnes World Record-making Nigerian chess grandmaster, Tunde Onakoya, has made his mark in the annals of history after playing the game for straight 60 hours.
But Onakoya did not achieve this historic feat without massive support from home and abroad by his countrymen.
Below is a list of well-known Nigerians who cheered the 29-year-old Lagos indigene on while he was snuggling it out with his opponents in a challenge that ended on Friday, April 19:
Adekunle and Davido
Adekunle and Davido surprised Onakoya after showing up at Times Square to rally behind him. Davido had organised a music concert at The Garden in New York City on Thursday, April 18.
Omoleye Sowore
On his part, Omoyele Sowore, activist and politician who has run for Nigeria’s presidency was at the venue and even supported Onakoya food packs from an African restaurant in New York.
Tony Elumelu
The UBA CEO, giving his support for Onakoya in a post on X, wrote:
“Good luck on checkmating New York @Tunde_OD as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the longest Chess Marathon. Continue to serve as an inspiration especially to African youth! We are solidly behind you.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Via his Facebook page, the Lagos state governor wrote of the chess guru:
“Lagos is rooting for you as you.
“Taking the story of the phenomenal work you started in Lagos with young children to a global stage is a powerful testament to how greatness can emerge from anywhere”
Governor Dapo Abiodun
The Ogun governor wrote on X (formerly Twitter)
“On behalf of the Ogun State government and its people, we extend our best wishes to @Tunde_OD…We applaud his efforts to raise funds to support children’s dreams worldwide through this noble initiative.”
Yemi Osinbajo
The immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, wrote an open letter to him on X:
“Best of luck in Times Square…Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.
“Let the dynamic energy of Times Square amplify the greatness that you, a proud Nigerian, bring to the chessboard. We’re all behind you—show the world the strength and determination you are made of! God bless you.”
Atiku Abubakar
The PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, joined millions of Nigerians to root for Onakoya.
Atiku wrote in a social media post:
“I join millions of Nigerians at home and abroad in wishing you the best…Your can-do spirit thus far has been truly inspirational. I am rooting for you to break new ground.”
