Osinbajo backs chess master, Onakoya’s 58-hour Guinness World Record attempt

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has extended his best wishes to Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, in his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon on Wednesday.

PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, announced his plan to play chess continuously for 58 hours without losing a game from 10am on April 17 to 8pm on April 19 in Times Square, New York City.

Onakoya said he was doing it “for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”

Sharing a picture of himself and Onakoya playing chess, Osinbajo wrote on his X handle on Wednesday, “Dear Tunde, best of luck in Times Square as you attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Longest Chess Marathon!

“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!”

According to the Guinness World Records, the longest chess marathon for 56 hours, 09 minutes, and 37 seconds was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad from Norway on November 11, 2018.