Sports
Onakoya Becomes Sports Ambassador In Ogun
- Tunde Onakoya is named Ogun State’s sports ambassador by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
- A state-wide chess tournament in his honor was announced, along with support pledged for his foundation.
- Onakoya expressed gratitude for Nigerian support and emphasized pride in his Nigerian heritage.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, has named Tunde Onakoya, renowned for achieving the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, as the state’s sports ambassador.
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On Thursday, Governor Abiodun announced during his meeting with Onakoya at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the commencement of the state chess competition across all regions of Ogun State in honor of Onakoya.
Abiodun, who was impressed with the achievement of the National Chess Master on the global stage, said this could not have been possible without determination, resilience and hard work.
The Governor said, “I can see why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and breadth of this country.
Tunde Onakoya and his parents being hosted by Governor Dapo Abiodun
You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future.
“Today (Thursday), we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador.
Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival this year and we are boasting that we are set to host the best.
“National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.
“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breadth of the state.
Onakoya at Times Square, New York City
“Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.
“But we, as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition.”
Earlier, Onakoya expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for the support he received from Nigerians on his journey to fame, expressing pride in his Nigerian heritage.
Further Reading
- Chess-a-thon: Sanwo-Olu Commends Tunde Onakoya On His New Global Record
- ICC Selects Etim For Latest Cricket Series
- ‘I’ve Constantly Fought Back Tears’- Onakoya Confesses Food Poisoning During Chess-a-thon
“I am proud to be a Nigerian and from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, I felt highly honoured and happy in the way.
Nigerians all over the world supported me immensely to achieve this feat and the honour accorded me by our royal fathers and His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, my state Governor,” Onakoya said.
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