Rita Odafe
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Tunde Onakoya’s father has said that he initially disapproved of his son’s interest in chess.
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He stated this during an interview with City Edge TV at Lagos International Airport, where he joined his wife and others in welcoming Tunde home as a Guinness World Record winner.
Tunde Onakoya’s father acknowledged to disturbing his chess games as a youngster in order to prioritise schooling, unaware that this passion would later earn his son international recognition.
“As a small child, when Tunde was playing chess, I usually packed everything away from him because I wanted him to focus on school. I didn’t know that it was what would made him popular like this” he said.
He fondly referred to Tunde as “an angel” who excels in whatever he sets his mind to.
“To me, Babatunde Onakoya is an angel because whatever he set his mind on you must succeed” he added.
With a newfound appreciation for the importance of nurturing one’s passions, Tunde’s father offered words of wisdom to fellow parents, he advised them not to discourage their children from their passion
“My advice for parents is that they shouldn’t discourage their children from their passions. I wanted Tunde to be a doctor but I didn’t know that chess would make him popular like this. I thank God” he concluded.
Recall that Tunde Onakoya set new world record for longest chess marathon.
On his official X account, he excitedly shared the news with his followers, expressing determination to push the record to 60 hours while emphasizing the charitable cause behind his endeavor – raising funds for the education of underprivileged African children worldwide.
Surpassing the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes set by Norwegian players, Tunde’s marathon took place at the iconic Times Square in New York City.
Partnering with US counterpart Shawn Martinez, both national masters, Tunde aimed not only to break a record but also to draw attention to the importance of providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged children across Africa.
As of Saturday morning, Onakoya has garnered nearly $100,000 in donations.
Joined by Martinez after 23 hours of play, the duo continued their quest, garnering support from notable figures including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and musicians Davido and Adekunle Gold.
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