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Prince Dayo Appoints Chess Master; Tunde Onakoya, As Sport Ambassador
Tunde Onakoya has been appointed by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun as the new Sport Ambassador for Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun showed his appreciation for Onakoya’s achievements on the international scene during the meeting on Thursday when he was presented with the National Chess Master.
He said, “Determination, resiliency, and hard work were essential for making this happen.”
The governor praised Onakoya’s function as an inspiration. Governor Abiodun remarked, “I understand why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and breadth of this country.”
By discussing his own experience of overcoming hardship, he emphasized Onakoya’s program, Chess in Slums Africa, as a transformative effort aimed at elevating poor youngsters.
In addition, Governor Abiodun unveiled preparations for the Ogun State Chess Competition in Onakoya’s honor, underscoring the significance of this recent appointment.
“We will start an Ogun State Chess Competition throughout the entire state in your honor and because you are now formally our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador,” he said. The Tunde Onakoya Prize will be awarded to the winner of the competition, which seeks to identify emerging talent at all levels, from local to state.
“His achievements in the face of difficulties is a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth, or parent’s status in society,” Governor Abiodun said in reflection on the journey of Onakoya.
Onakoya responded by expressing his sincere gratitude for the backing of Nigerians and the government of Ogun State. He said, “I am proud to be from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and to be a Nigerian,” narrating how chess helped him rise from poverty to fame. He talked about his continued work with partners like Lufthansa Airlines to promote chess in Lagos, Kenya, and other places.
Onakoya also discussed his reasons for smashing the previous world record for the game of chess.
Onakoya explained why he broke the world record for the longest chess gameplay—60 hours—by going above and beyond the previous record of 56.
In addition to expressing gratitude to Governor Abiodun for acknowledging his work, he promised to keep pushing chess as a means of youth empowerment.
Chychy Jonas
