Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has sent a message of encouragement to chess guru and founder of Chess in Slums Africa Tunde Onakoya as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.
Mr Onakoya begins the 58-hour attempt at Times Square, New York, United States on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Prof Osinbajo said Nigerians were behind Onakoya, urging him to show the world the strength and determination he is made of.
“Dear Tunde,” he wrote, “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! God Bless You @Tunde_OD,” Osinbajo added.
Onakoya said he is driven by a mission to empower disadvantaged children.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” he wrote in a post on X.
He has also launched a fundraiser for $1 million.
“Our goal is to donate 1 million chess sets globally. To date we have secured 116,000 chess sets for global distribution, reaching over 25 countries,” he said on the website of the fundraising platform, Tiltify.
