'Checkmate the world' - What Tinubu, Shettima, Osinbajo said as Onakoya attempts world record

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind chess Grandmaster, Tunde Onakoya as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest unbeaten chess marathon.

Reacting to his attempt in a post on X, Tinubu simply wrote, “Checkmate the world Tunde Onakoya.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima in a separate post said: “We are not only proud of the ambition of the chess maverick, Tunde Onakoya, in his attempt to break the Guinness World record for playing chess for 58 hours without losing a game, but also of his humanitarian interventions and his representation of Nigeria on the global stage through this game of brilliant minds.

“Mr Onakoya is a symbol of excellence and resilience that distinguishes Nigerians both at home and abroad and we stand with him in spirit as he captivates the world from Times Square, New York City. Go, make history and inscribe our name in gold.”

Onakoya began his 58-hour quest to break the longest unbeaten chess marathon on Wednesday, April 17 at 10 am in Times Square, New York and according to Tiltify, he is scheduled to conclude at 8 pm on Friday (US time today).

The current record which stands at 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds was set by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway on November 11, 2018.

Onakoya had gone over 30 hours at the time of filing this report.

Immediate past Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo says Onakoya has shown resilience and continues to inspire all.

“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 your 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 off! God bless you.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, also tweeted, backing Onakoya to set the new record.

“Good luck Tunde Onakoya. We are all rooting for you,” he wrote.

Equally reacting to Onakoya’s Guinness World Record attempt, the US Mission in Nigeria wrote on its X handle, “Best wishes to @Tunde_OD on his knightly mission to break the world record for the longest chess marathon without losing a game!

“We’re thrilled to cheer him on as he makes history in the heart of Times Square and brings hope to children who dream of a brighter future through education.

“Go Tunde!”