Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya on Monday night presented a gold-plated Adire Chess board and his Guinness World Record (GWR) certificate for the longest chess marathon to President Bola Tinubu.
The development was made public by the chess master via a post he shared on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
Onakoya, who met with the president in Lagos disclosed that he was invited to Abuja to share his vision of building the largest Chess institute in the world.
He wrote, “Honored to have been graciously received by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, @officialasiwajubat
“We had the privilege of presenting a Gold plated Adire Chess board and the world record certificate.
Grateful for the time, listening ear and kind invitation to Abuja to share our vision: to build the Largest Chess/STEM institute in the world. A place where children regardless of background can dream, learn and become.
“It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
On his X page, President Tinubu commended Onakoya for his dedication to using chess as a tool for education and empowerment among underserved children.
He said, “I received Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, at my residence today where he also presented his World Record for the longest Chess Marathon.
“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.”
Recall that in April, Onakoya made history alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez by playing for 64 consecutive hours in New York City, setting a new Guinness World Record.
