Nigerian music sensation Davido has demonstrated his support for Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, News About Nigeria reports.
In a heartwarming gesture, Davido presented Onakoya with his iconic 30BG neckpiece at the venue.
Videos circulating online captured the moment as the singer cheered Onakoya on during his marathon effort.
“30 billion for the children as @davido places his chain around my neck. Thank you very much for stopping by after your successful outing at @TheGarden,” Onakoya expressed his gratitude in a social media post.
Numerous dignitaries have also sent their support to Onakoya.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, encouraged him with the words, “Every grand victory starts with a single, bold move akin to a daring gambit—a bold move to redefine possibilities. Lagos is rooting 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.”
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo shared a photo of himself playing chess with Onakoya and expressed his support, saying, “Dear Tunde, best of luck in Times Square… Your resilience and spirit inspire us all. Remember your own powerful words: ‘It is possible to do great things from a small place.”
The marathon, which commenced on April 17 at 10 am in New York City’s Times Square, is scheduled to conclude on April 19 at 8 pm.
With only five-minute breaks permitted every hour, Onakoya will play chess continuously for 58 hours without losing a single game.
Onakoya, who announced his attempt on April 5, cited his motivation as “doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education.”
The current record stands at 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway in November 2018.
Prior to this endeavour, Onakoya has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives using chess to transform the lives of young Nigerians.
His Chess in Slums project has been instrumental in providing opportunities for children in communities like Oshodi and Makoko, steering them away from the streets.
In March 2022, Canadian High Commissioner Kevin Tokar and sailors from the HMCS Goose Bay engaging in chess matches with children from the Chess In Slums program under the Oshodi bridge.
