The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has appointed Chess Master Tunde Onakoya as the State’s Sports Ambassador. This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Onakoya in recognition of his extraordinary achievement in the world of chess, particularly his record-breaking chess marathon at Times Square, New York.
During a meeting with the National Chess Master on Thursday, Governor Abiodun expressed his deep admiration for Onakoya’s accomplishments on the global stage. He commended the chess prodigy for his determination, resilience, and hard work, which were instrumental in his success.
Governor Abiodun also acknowledged Chess Master Tunde Onakoya role as a source of inspiration for countless young people across the country. He recognized the transformative impact of Onakoya’s initiative, Chess in Slums Africa, which aims to uplift underprivileged children by sharing his own story of overcoming adversity.
To further underscore the significance of this appointment, Governor Abiodun announced plans for the Ogun State Chess Competition in honor of Onakoya. This competition will be held throughout the state and aims to discover new talents at the local and state levels. The winner of the competition will be awarded the prestigious Tunde Onakoya Prize.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the broader implications of Onakoya’s journey, emphasizing that one’s background, place of birth, or social status does not determine their potential for success. He emphasized that Onakoya’s achievements in the face of difficulties serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities in life.
In response to the governor’s recognition, Onakoya expressed profound gratitude for the support he has received from Nigerians and the Ogun State Government. He proudly declared his Nigerian and Ogun State heritage, hailing from Ago-Iwoye. Onakoya shared his inspiring journey from poverty to prominence through the game of chess. He also discussed his ongoing efforts to popularize chess in Lagos, Kenya, and beyond, collaborating with partners such as Lufthansa Airlines.
Onakoya expressed his motivation for breaking the world record in chess playing, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours by reaching an impressive 60 hours. He thanked Governor Abiodun for acknowledging his efforts and vowed to continue promoting chess as a powerful tool for youth empowerment.
The appointment of Tunde Onakoya as the Sports Ambassador of Ogun State not only recognizes his exceptional achievements but also serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for young people across the state. Onakoya’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to using chess as a means of empowerment are commendable. With the support of the Ogun State Government and the wider community, it is expected that Onakoya’s influence will continue to grow, fostering a new generation of talented chess players and inspiring individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
