Nigerian breaks longest chess marathon record.

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya has etched his name in history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, held amidst the bustling energy of Times Square in New York City.

Enduring intense physical discomfort, including vomiting, stomach pain, and extreme tiredness, Onakoya embarked on a grueling 60-hour non-stop chess marathon against NM Shawn Martinez, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 by FM Sjur Ferkingstad and Hallvard Haug Flatebø in Norway.

The event, streamed live and widely covered by major media outlets such as CNN, the New York Times, the BBC, and AP, captivated audiences globally. The iconic Times Square provided the backdrop for this historic endeavor, where Onakoya’s relentless pursuit of the record drew the attention and admiration of spectators and supporters alike.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Onakoya is not only a master of the chessboard but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions across Africa. As the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to using chess as a tool for education and empowerment, the 29-year-old champion embodies resilience and altruism.

The chess marathon, undertaken as part of Onakoya’s mission to raise $1 million for children’s education across Africa, saw significant contributions to the cause, with an additional $110,000 raised during the event. Beyond the realm of chess, Onakoya’s noble endeavor resonates deeply with his commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of underprivileged children.

Throughout the marathon, Onakoya received unwavering support from his opponent, Martinez, as well as from numerous challengers who signed up to play against him. Surrounded by music, cheers, and the aroma of Nigerian jollof rice, Onakoya’s spirit remained undaunted despite facing adversity along the way.

The record-breaking attempt, organized by The Gift of Chess, a charitable organization dedicated to transforming lives through chess, exemplifies the power of resilience and collective action. As Onakoya pushes the boundaries of human endurance, he not only secures his place in the annals of chess history but also embodies the spirit of perseverance and philanthropy.

As Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu aptly remarked, Onakoya’s feat represents “Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity,” inspiring generations to come. With his remarkable achievement, Onakoya sends a powerful message of hope, demonstrating that greatness knows no bounds and that through determination and compassion, one can effect meaningful change in the world.

In a heartwarming tale of talent, determination, and triumph, 11-year-old Anthony Mmesoma Madu from Nigeria has captured the world’s attention with his exceptional ballet skills, earning him a scholarship to a prestigious dance school and igniting hope for aspiring dancers everywhere.

Madu’s journey to the spotlight began in Lagos, Nigeria, where he was one of the 12 students mentored by Daniel Ajala Owoseni, founder of the Leap of Dance Academy. Despite facing societal stereotypes and misconceptions about ballet being exclusively for girls, Madu pursued his passion for dance with unwavering dedication.

A pivotal moment in Madu’s rise to prominence came when a video of him gracefully dancing barefoot in the rain outside the dance studio went viral, garnering millions of views and attracting global attention. His breathtaking performance, characterized by fluid movements and impeccable technique, captivated audiences and earned him admiration from celebrities and dance enthusiasts worldwide.

The video caught the eye of Cynthia Harvey, the artistic director of the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Dance in New York City, who extended a full scholarship offer to Madu to attend the ABT virtual Young Dancer Summer Workshop. Additionally, Madu’s talent and potential prompted Harvey to offer support to Owoseni as well, recognizing the transformative impact of his work in promoting ballet in Nigeria. Read more about Madu here.

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