In a bid to recognize and honor outstanding achievements in sports, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has appointed Tunde Onakoya, the National Master of Chess and the current Guinness World Record holder for the longest Chess Marathon in history, as the Sports Ambassador of the State.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a meeting between Governor Abiodun and Mr. Onakoya at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Governor Abiodun commended Onakoya’s remarkable achievements on the global stage, highlighting his determination, resilience, and hard work as exemplary traits.
Recognizing Onakoya’s efforts to inspire young people across Nigeria, Governor Abiodun praised his initiative in establishing the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ foundation, aimed at empowering children in disadvantaged communities. As a mark of honor, the governor announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition to be held across all regions of Ogun State in tribute to Mr. Onakoya.
Moreover, Governor Abiodun revealed plans for Ogun State to host the National Sports Festival in the coming months and emphasized the significance of chess as one of the featured games. In light of this, the governor entrusted Onakoya to organize the Ogun State Chess Competition, extending his support through the establishment of the Tunde Onakoya Prize for the competition’s winner.
Reflecting on his journey to success, Mr. Onakoya expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fellow Nigerians, affirming his pride in representing Nigeria on the global stage. Recounting his challenges growing up, Onakoya emphasized the pivotal role of chess in his life, providing him with a pathway out of poverty and fostering critical thinking skills.
In conclusion, Governor Abiodun lauded Mr. Onakoya’s accomplishments as a testament to the limitless potential of Nigerian youth and reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports and youth development in Ogun State.
