It is no longer news that Tunde Onakoya has gone on to set a new Guinness World record for the longest chess marathon. For 60 hours in the heart of New York’s Times Square, he battled various opponents, with a mission to raise $1 million for children’s education in Africa. “Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education,” the chess master and founder of Chess in Slum Africa says.

In his quest to break the record, Nigerians in their usual supportive spirit, came out in their numbers to show massive support for their own. The New York’s Nigerian community, including Afrobeats stars Davido and Adekunle Gold showed up at the Times Square to cheer Tunde.

 

Back home in Nigeria, the nation rallied behind him as they watched him conquer the record.  Former vice president of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo and the current vice president Kashim Shettima offered their public support.
“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’re made of,” the former vice president said.

The Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, wasn’t left out as he also gave a word of encouragement, “Lagos is for you as you attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon at Times Square in the heart of New York.”

This support is typical of Nigerians who, in spite of their cultural, religious and educational background, always turn up for any Nigerian who sets out to make the country proud. This indeed is the true Nigerian spirit, “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”