Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess champion and advocate for child education, embarks on a remarkable journey to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York City’s Times Square.
With overwhelming support from Nigerians and global leaders, he aims to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa.
Tunde Onakoya, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s chess community and a passionate advocate for children’s education, undertakes a monumental challenge in Times Square, New York, aiming to surpass the current Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon.
Nigerians in NYC are showing up strong for @Tunde_OD
— Ogini Na Afio (@ogininaafio) April 18, 2024
The moment @davido showed up to support. #ChessMarathonForChange pic.twitter.com/WQ7Q8pFdXc
The 29-year-old chess prodigy initially aims to play for 58 hours but exceeds expectations, concluding his impressive feat around 12:40 a.m. Saturday, April 20, after an exhilarating 60-hour nonstop gameplay.
Onakoya engages in the intense competition alongside American chess champion Shawn Martinez, adhering to strict Guinness World Record guidelines requiring continuous gameplay by two players throughout the entire duration.
Throughout the marathon, Onakoya and Martinez are granted only a minute break for every hour of gameplay, occasionally utilizing these brief respites to interact with supporters and enjoy moments of dancing and celebration.
The ambitious endeavour aims to secure a Guinness World Record. It serves as a platform for Onakoya to champion the cause of children’s education in Africa, with a lofty fundraising goal of $1 million.
Paragraph 6: With an outpouring of support from online platforms and onlookers at the scene, including Nigerian music sensation Davido, the atmosphere is filled with cheers, applause, and a vibrant blend of African music.
Onakoya’s initiative, fueled by his organization Chess in Slums Africa, seeks to address the educational challenges faced by millions of children living in impoverished communities across the continent.
Despite the gruelling hours of gameplay, Onakoya maintains his energy levels with ample hydration and sustenance, including the beloved West African delicacy jollof rice.
Within the first 20 hours of the attempt, an impressive $22,000 is raised, showcasing the overwhelming support from Nigerians in the U.S., global leaders, celebrities, and passersby alike.
Onakoya’s inspiring journey resonates deeply in Nigeria, where he regularly organizes competitions for disadvantaged youth, aiming to empower them through education and skill development.
The widespread support for Onakoya’s endeavour underscores the urgent need to address educational disparities in Nigeria, where over 10 million school-age children remain out of school, one of the highest rates globally.
Notable figures, including Nigeria’s former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, express solidarity with Onakoya’s mission, emphasizing the transformative power of perseverance and determination in achieving greatness.
As Tunde Onakoya’s remarkable journey captivates hearts and minds worldwide, his unwavering commitment to advancing education and empowering marginalized communities is a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
