…Pushes For 60-Hour

Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess.

The chestmaster confirmed this in a post on his official X account.

He wrote, “We have done it.

“We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going.


“We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why – the reason we are doing this.

“Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.

Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target.


The challenge, which is underway at New York City’s iconic Times Square, has currently exceeded 56 hours and a few minutes and already set him adrift the previous record holders.

The new record holder said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.

In a statement by his foundation, Chess in Slums Africa, Onakoya said he will be joined by his US counterpart, Shawn Martinez.

It read in part, “This record attempt requires a team of two players. Tunde Onakoya (NG) will be facing off against Shawn Martinez (US) for the challenge. Both players hold the title of National Masters.

“Shawn Martinez, a US National Master, renowned New York City chess legend, and chess coach, poses as a formidable adversary. Both Tunde Onakoya and Shawn Martinez will hold the record title.”

“This record is for the longest time to continuously play chess. This record is to be mentioned in hours, minutes, and seconds. This record is to be attempted by a team of two players,” it added.

After about 23 hours into the game, Martinez joined to make the new world record.


Meanwhile, Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Singer Davido, and Adekunle Gold, have all shown support for Onakoya to break the new record

Nigerian singer Skiibii has broken his silence after being accused by video vixen and influencer Nicki Dabarbie of attempting to use her for ‘ritual.’

Dabarbie has been calling out Skiibii and Mayorkun on social media, alleging that the duo attempted to use her for “ritual” after Skiibii invited her for a boat cruise.

Sharing a picture of herself in the hospital via her Instagram story, she alleged that they also called “fake police” to beat her up and seize her phone because she was going live on social media.

Reacting, Skiibii described Nicki Dabarbie’s allegations as “false,” stressing that she was out to tarnish his image.

He stated that he had already reported the incident to the police.

On his Instagram story, he wrote: “I typically remain silent when people come for me in the media, but I feel it’s necessary to address recent events, especially when false information is being spread. I will no longer allow anyone to tarnish my image because they know Skiibii won’t run to the media to speak.

“Although I’ve remained silent on all issues to preserve peace, I believe it’s time to reconsider that approach. In due time, the truth will come to light.

“Firstly, I want to clarify that the narratives being circulated by people and various blogs are completely false, and the truth will come to light on all fronts.

“I have reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force because there’s nothing to hide, and I trust that they will conduct a thorough investigation. I will let the law take its course to its full measure this time “

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.


Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said the President urged all members of the board of the commission to bring to bear their wealth of experience and competence in regulating the country’s capital market.

Names of the newly appointed members of the SEC Board:


Mr. Mairiga Aliyu Katuka – Chairman

Mr. Emomotimi Agama – Director-General

Frana Chukwuogor – Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement)


Mr. Bola Ajomale – Executive Commissioner (Operations)

Mrs. Samiya Hassan Usman – Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services)

Mr. Lekan Bello – Non-Executive Commissioner


Mr Kasimu Garba Kurfi – Non-Executive Commissioner