Guinness Record Holder Visits Borno, Inspires Youth With Chess Skills

Tunde Onakoya, a Nigerian chess player and coach who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, to promote chess among the youth.

The reports gathered that Onakoya, founder of “Chess in Slums in Africa,” which supports disadvantaged children in Lagos, arrived in Maiduguri on Friday to expand the initiative.

During his visit, Onakoya met children in the Muna and Bolori camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), where the Nigerian Air Force’s 105 Composite Group had been training the children in chess. He engaged with the children through interactive sessions and friendly chess matches, praising their dedication to the game.

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Encouraging the children to keep up their efforts, Onakoya shared his personal journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a chess champion, highlighting how the game can open doors to success. He emphasized the role of chess in developing critical thinking and unlocking future opportunities.

Several children, especially girls affected by the insurgency, expressed how chess has played a role in their healing and recovery.

Onakoya and his team later visited Air Commodore C.O. Olayera, Commander of the 105 Composite Group, who commended the initiative for helping vulnerable children develop their talents. Olayera reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to support education and mentoring programs for disadvantaged children, helping them excel in various fields and contribute to societal growth.