Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has appointed Tunde Onakoya, a Chess Master and Guinness World Record Holder, as the Sports Ambassador for the state.
The appointment was made during a meeting at the Governor’s residence on Thursday, April 25.
Governor Abiodun praised Onakoya’s intelligence and competitive spirit, highlighting his achievements in chess.
As the Sports Ambassador, Onakoya will oversee the organization of the Ogun Chess Competition in the state.
This initiative will be commemorated with the establishment of the “Tunde Onakoya Prize” to recognize outstanding contributions to chess.
Governor Abiodun emphasized Onakoya’s role in inspiring young people and promoting positive change, citing initiatives like “Chess in Slums Africa” aimed at empowering children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun announced plans for Ogun State to host the upcoming National Sports Festival and expressed confidence in delivering the best edition yet.
Chess will be a featured sport at the festival, reflecting Onakoya’s influence and dedication to the game.
Onakoya gained recognition for his record-breaking achievements, including a marathon chess session lasting over 58 hours in Times Square, New York, to support education for out-of-school children in Nigeria and beyond. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was honored by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tunde Onakoya hails from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria, and continues to inspire through his exceptional accomplishments in chess and commitment to social impact.
