Seunfunmi Joshua
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, Nigerian chess master and advocate for child education, Tunde Onakoya, made history by breaking the record for the longest chess marathon. He played for an incredible 60 hours nonstop in New York City’s Times Square. While his attempt is still awaiting confirmation from the Guinness World Record organization, many Nigerians and Africans already consider the 29-year-old a national hero.
Onakoya aimed to raise $1 million to support education for children across Africa through his record-breaking attempt. Initially planning to play for 58 hours, he exceeded expectations and reached the 60-hour mark early on Saturday morning, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018 by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway.
The Guinness Book of Records, first published in 1955 by the Guinness Brewery in Ireland, is a well-known reference book that records human and natural world records. To qualify for a world record listing, individuals or groups must submit proof to the Guinness World Records team and undergo a verification process.
Alongside Tunde Onakoya, these nine (9) other Nigerians have also broken Guinness World Records in recent times, showcasing their resilience and achieving remarkable feats against all odds.
10. Bayo Omoboriowo in September 2021:
In September 2021, Bayo Omoboriowo achieved a Guinness World Record for creating the largest photo book. The book, a collaboration with The JT Agency and supported by the federal government, measures 60.84 square meters (654 square feet and 87 square inches) and is a recreation of the photo collection titled “Discover Nigeria.”
9. Chinonso Miracle Eche in October 2021:
Chinonso Miracle Eche set a Guinness World Record in October 2021 for the fastest time to complete 1,000 football touches while balancing another ball on his head. He also holds the record for the “Most Consecutive Football Touches in One Minute While Balancing a Ball on His Head.”
8. Bose Omolayo in December 2021:
In December 2021, Bose Omolayo became a Guinness World Record holder for the heaviest para power lift by a female in the -79 kg category, lifting 144 kg.
7. Vincent Okezie in March 2022:
On 3 March 2023, Vincent Okezie, also known as Master Okezie, achieved his fifth Guinness World Record by performing the most football (soccer) ‘around the world’ tricks (71) with his arms linked.
6. Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo in March 2022:
Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo set a new Guinness World Record in March 2022 for the most consecutive passes of a football (soccer ball) between the head and soles (team of two), achieving 252 passes in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.
5. Folashade Oluwafemiayo in August 2022:
In 2021, Folashade Oluwafemiayo won a gold medal and set a new world record of 152.5 kg in her event at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. She also won a gold medal in the heavyweight event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
4. Gbenga Ezekiel in October 2022:
Gbenga Ezekiel broke two Guinness World Records in October 2022. He achieved the most skips in one minute on one leg (278) and the most double under skips in one minute on one leg (144), surpassing the previous records.
3. Hilda Baci in May 2023:
Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, set a new Guinness World Record in May 2023 for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. She achieved this feat in a cook-a-thon held in Lagos, lasting for 93 hours and eleven minutes.
2. Divine Ikubor (Rema) in May 2023:
Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, entered the Guinness World Records in May 2023 with his hit song “Calm Down,” which became the first No. 1 hit on The Official MENA Chart, the world’s first regional streaming chart.
1. Tunde Onakoya in April 2024:
In April 2024, Tunde Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess session with an unprecedented and uninterrupted 58-hour session, reaching the 60-hour mark.
Final Thoughts
Tunde Onakoya’s incredible feat of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess session, along with the achievements of these nine other Nigerian record holders, showcases the extraordinary talent and determination within Nigeria.
From Bayo Omoboriowo’s giant photo book to Chinonso Miracle Eche’s football skills and Bose Omolayo’s para powerlifting, each record holder has pushed boundaries. Vincent Okezie, Chukwuebuka Ezugha, and Victor Richard Kipo also demonstrate Nigeria’s diverse talents. The records by Rema, Hilda Baci and Gbenga Ezekiel, also further highlight the country’s exceptional achievements in different spheres, inspiring others with their dedication and passion.
Here’s to more groundbreaking and impactful records.
