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Dabiri-Erewa applauds Onakoya’s Guinness World Record for longest chess marathon
Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, for his official recognition by Guinness World Records as the new world record holder for the longest chess marathon.
Onakoya, alongside American chess player Shawn Martinez, completed a grueling 64-hour chess marathon at New York City’s Times Square from April 17 to April 20, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds set by Norwegian duo Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn in 2024.
“This is not just a personal win, but a victory for Nigeria and the entire African continent. Tunde Onakoya represents the very best of Nigerian spirit—determined, visionary, and impactful. He has made the nation proud once again,” Dabiri-Erewa said, lauding Onakoya’s resilience and his efforts to empower underprivileged children through Chess in Slums Africa.
She added, “Tunde Onakoya represents the very best of Nigerian spirit determined, visionary, and impactful. His latest record is not just a personal win, but a victory for Nigeria and the entire African continent. He has made the nation proud once again”.
Onakoya, visibly moved after the marathon, remarked, “We did the impossible and gave the world something new to believe in.” He added, “We stopped at 64 hours because it’s the total number of squares on the chessboard.
Shawn Martinez, Onakoya’s chess partner, shared, “It was a painful ride. It took a lot. I am kind of lost for words right now”.
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement by Gabriel Odu of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,reaffirmed NiDCOM’s support for Nigerians excelling globally, urging youths to draw inspiration from Onakoya’s story: “His commitment to using chess as a tool for social change continues to inspire millions around the world.”
Dabiri-Erewa in a statement by Gabriel Odu of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,reaffirmed NiDCOM’s support for Nigerians excelling globally, urging youths to draw inspiration from Onakoya’s story: “His commitment to using chess as a tool for social change continues to inspire millions around the world.”
Onakoya’s achievement is not only a testament to endurance but also a call to action for social impact, as he continues to champion educational opportunities for disadvantaged children across Africa.