The National Chess Master and the current Guinness World record Holder for the longest Chess Marathon in history, Mr. Tunde Onakoya has been appointed Sports Ambassador by the Ogun State government.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun who disclosed this at the government house, Abeokuta when Mr. Onakoya paid him a scheduled visit, expressed delight with the achievement of the National Chess Master at the global stage, and announced the kick-off of the State Chess competition to be held in all parts of the State in Honour of Mr. Onakoya.

He attributed Mr. Onakoya's achievement to determination, resilience and hard work.

"I can see why you continue to be inspiration to many young people across the length and breath of this country. 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 we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports festival in the next nine months or thereabouts 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.

Governor Abiodun, described the challenges of the National Chess Master while growing up to that of millions of young people in Nigeria who are struggling to make something out of their lives, and stressed that his achievements in the face of the challenges points out that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth or parent's status in the Society.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Tunde Onakoya expressed gratitude to the governor for the support he received from Nigerians in his journey to stardom, adding that he is proud to be a Nigerian.

The National Chess Master who said he saw chess as a way out of poverty and ability to think critically beyond the surface, recalled his challenges while growing up.