By Helen Okechukwu, JKNMedia Reporter
OGUN State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced plans to launch chess competition across the state in tribute to Tunde Onakoya, the Guiness World Record holder for the longest chess game.
The declaration came following a meeting between Abiodun and Onakoya, founder of Chess Slums in Africa, at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
During the meeting, Abiodun also appointed Onakoya as the Sports Ambassador and Chess Ambassador of the State, recognizing his remarkable achievement, and pledged his government’s support for the Chess Master’s endeavours while praising his resilience and dedication to making a positive impact.
Onakoya, in his response, expressed gratitude for the honour and emphasized the importance of chess in shaping youths’ minds. He also shared his journey of overcoming challenges and encouraged others not to give up in life, citing his personal experience as inspiration.
Highlighting his commitment to uplifting young minds from poverty through his non-governmental organization, Onakoya expressed pride being a Nigerian as the meeting concluded with mutual appreciation for the noble accomplishments which the governor described as a shared assurance to promoting chess and youth empowerment in the state.
