Kunle Adelabu
The I – Heroes (Ikorodu Heroes), a social and developmental organization made up of young Ikorodu professionals, has commended the Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, on his new world chess marathon record.
The Ikorodu – born Onakoya’s initial target was 58 hours but went ahead to break that record by playing beyond the 60-hours mark to beat his own record and set a new Guinness World Record.
Onakoya teamed up with US chess master, Shawn Martinez in Times Square, New York, to set a new world record and raise $1 million to educate children in underprivileged communities across Africa.
In a statement signed by the President I-Heroes, Majolagbe Olanshile, in congratulating their fellow Ikorodu man, the club said that the world champion started from small place to reach the world zenith and stayed true to his belief.
“The Executive and members of I-Heroes heartily congratulate Mr Tunde Onakoya, on his achievement as a Guinness world record holder for longest chess marathon of 60 hours non-stop and winning every match”, the statement said.
“Mr Tunde Onakoya has stayed true to his belief that “great things can be done from a small place”. A hero is someone who has given his life to something bigger than himself. For a young man that started from a small place in lkorodu, to shatter a world record at New York City, he is worthy of a hero to be emulated by young aspiring Nigerians.
“Mr Tunde Onakoya’s story is that of resilience, determination and can-do spirit, this is the spirit of lkorodu.
“We are proud to associate with you. Keep soaring, the sky is your limit.
“Once again, congratulations”.
Tunde Onakoya is a chess master, coach, and the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organisation established to train children in underprivileged communities in chess and provide them with access to education.
Onakoya was born on October 6, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos Nigeria, and learned to play chess at a barber’s shop in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, where he grew up.
