Chess participant Tunde Onakoya and artist Lanre Olagoke competed at a celebration of worldwide influential Nigerians within the UK.
WHEN chess document holder Tunde Onakoya and artist Lanre Olagoke, MBE, joined others within the UK to have fun 50 globally influential Nigerians, a uncommon mixture of intelligence and creativity emerged on the chessboard.
On April 20, 2024, Onakoya achieved a monumental feat by being topped the Guinness World Document holder after a grueling chess marathon in Instances Sq., New York. Onakoya's endurance and talent have been on full show as he pushed the marathon to a complete of 60 hours, breaking the earlier world document of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, set in 2018 by Norwegian gamers Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad. This record-breaking feat left the world in awe and admiration.
Olagoke, artist and founding father of Artwork Alive Arts Belief, was set to obtain King Charles honours in early 2024. He was formally introduced with the Most Glorious Order of the British Empire by Prince William at a ceremony at Windsor Citadel a number of weeks in the past.
And when a UK-based group, Highly effective Media, organised the 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide occasion in late July, Olagoke was among the many VIPs, whose presence added a recent MBE flavour to the gathering. Alongside Onakoya on the worldwide record have been sportspeople together with Victor Osimhen, Anthony Joshua, Tobi Amusan and Mike Emanalo within the Sports activities class.
Mike Adenuga, Tony Elumelu, Samad Rabiu, AtedoPeterside, Haresh Aswani and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe have been amongst these on the record of entrepreneurs.
On the occasion's Corridor of Fame, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who just lately turned 90, was honoured for his literary contributions to the world.
As a part of the World 50 occasion, Olagoke and Onakoya collaborated to deliver a singular mix of artwork and intelligence to the chessboard. Olagoke, deeply moved by Onakoya’s dedication to creating optimistic change and galvanizing youth, shared his admiration.
“Tunde Onakoya is greater than only a chess champion or a Guinness Guide of document holder,” Olagoke famous. “His dedication to creating a distinction and galvanizing the following technology is actually inspiring,” he added.
Olagoke, the founding father of Artwork Alive Arts-Belief (AAAT), mirrored on the expertise of enjoying in opposition to Onakoya, a world-class chess participant. He famous that Onakoya is a beacon of hope and a guiding mild for his present technology and those that will come after him.
“It was a humbling expertise for me to have the chance to play in opposition to such a world-class chess participant, particularly given my lifelong love for the sport,” Olagoke enthused. “However for now, I believe I’ll stick with portray,” he mentioned, and warranted that sooner or later, “we’ll proceed to work collectively for the betterment of our beloved nation, Nigeria, and extra importantly, for the empowerment of our youth.”
When Olagoke acquired his MBE, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was amongst those that despatched him a congratulatory letter. The artist appreciated the worth of the popularity and mentioned that Onakoya, who was additionally praised by Governor Abiodun, was given a “well-deserved and completely timed honour”. Onakoya and Olagoke each hail from Ogun State, south-west Nigeria.
The 50 World Influential Nigerians additionally acknowledged, amongst others, John Obara, Founder and CEO of SystemSpecs; Sola Akinlade, Co-Founder and CEO of Paystack; Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO, Paystack; Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly; FunkeOpeke, CEO, MainOne; Mitchell Elegbe, Founder, Interswitch; and Olugbenga Agboola, Founder, Flutterwave.
Within the Arts, Media and Leisure record, these honoured have been Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Common Studio Group; Nduka Obaigbena, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE Information Channel; John Momoh, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Channels TV; and Yinka Sonibare, a UK-based artist. Others included actress Funke Akindele; Adesegun Adeosun Jnr and Obi Asika, Co-Founders of Afro Nation; Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Information; social media influencer KSI; Tiwa Savage and Hollywood actor David Oyelowo.
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