Tunde Onakoya Visits President Tinubu With His Guinness World Record Certificate

Chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, visited President Bola Tinubu on Monday night to present his Guinness World Record certificate for the longest chess marathon.

The president shared details of their meeting on his X (formerly Twitter) page, praising Onakoya for using chess to empower underprivileged children and support education.

Tinubu wrote, “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.

“Through chess, he opens minds and transforms lives in communities that are too often overlooked.”

President Tinubu also expressed interest in expanding Onakoya’s program across Nigeria.

He said, “I would love to see how his work can be replicated nationwide and I am looking forward to seeing him in Abuja to hear how the government can support him.

“Tunde Onakoya’s vision aligns with our administration’s: no child left behind, no talent wasted. Nigeria is proud of him, and we will walk with him.”

Earlier this year, Onakoya and American chess player Shawn Martinez broke the world record by playing nonstop for 64 hours in New York.

This topped his previous 60-hour record, which had been briefly beaten by a Norwegian pair in 2024.

Onakoya’s “Chess in Slums Africa” teaches chess to disadvantaged children, using the game to boost their confidence and education.

KanyiDaily recalls that Tunde Onakoya recently pledged to fund the education of a young girl whose mother was criticized for bringing her along to work as a street sweeper at 4 a.m.