Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has nominated Tunde Onakoya, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon in history, as the state's sports ambassador.

Governor Abiodun, who made the announcement on Thursday while receiving Onakoya in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also announced the start of the state chess competition, which will be held throughout the state in honor of Onakoya.

Abiodun, who was impressed by the National Chess Master's success on the global arena, stated that it would not have been possible without dedication, tenacity, and hard effort.

The Governor stated, "I understand why you continue to be an inspiration to many young people across the length and width of this country. You established the 'Chess in Slums Africa' charity to share your experience and inspire other children to leave the slums with hope for a better future.

Today (Thursday), we will officially appoint you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival this year, and we are proud that we are ready to hold the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country, and chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.

"I have decided that, in your honour, we shall launch an Ogun State Chess Competition across the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and Chess Ambassador, we will delegate responsibility for designing that competition from the local government 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 heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for Nigerians' support in his rise to fame, saying he was pleased to be a Nigerian.

"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," he added.