Arts and Life

Akpabio applauds new world chess record holder Onakoya

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2024

By Iyojo Ameh

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has congratulated Nigeria’s Tunde Onakoya for setting a new world chess record and etching the country on the world map.

Akpabio’s congratulatory message was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh and released on Sunday in Abuja.

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The Senate President describes Onakoya’s achievement as typical of the audacity of Nigeria’s spirit of determination, hard work and resilience.

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“My joy knows no bounds as I celebrate this young and adroit Nigerian, Tunde Onakoya, who is imbued with the Nigerian spirit of determination, hard work and resilience and has elevated our dear country in the comity of nations.

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“On behalf of the Senate and the Nigerian National Assembly, my constituents in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and my family, I heartily congratulate and rejoice with Tunde Onakoya on this onerous achievement.

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“I followed closely while the competition was on and I must commend the brand-new world champion, Tunde for remaining steadfast despite the challenges he had during the journey.

“I am happy that the dream behind this laudable project is to raise funds for indigent African children to also, explore the opportunities that abound in the game of chess. This is a good way of grooming other champions and taking many children off the streets.

See also Keffi Polo Ranch Rallies Support for Education By Haruna Salami The 2025 Keffi Polo Ranch tournament is focused on using the sport of polo as a platform to promote and support education within Nasarawa State and beyond. Founder of the Keffi Polo Ranch and Senator representing Nasarawa West, Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, said the core vision behind establishing the ranch is “to leverage on polo to open up our state to the rest of the world.” He emphasized that this year’s edition is dedicated to advancing education. “As you know, this tournament is in support of education. The ranch has printed 130,000 exercise books, which will be delivered on Sunday to the 13 education secretaries in the state, under the supervision of the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as our contribution to educational development,” he said. Expressing gratitude to God for the achievements recorded since the ranch’s establishment, Wadada noted that the 10th anniversary of the Keffi Polo Ranch is rooted in the spirit of giving back to society for the benefit of humanity. This year’s tournament also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa, on the throne. According to Wadada, “the motivation behind the tournaments is humanity — concern for the people, and giving back for the good of humanity.” Speaking on how polo ties into his role as a federal lawmaker, Wadada said leadership requires either taking people to civilization or bringing civilization to them. “I brought civilization to Nasarawa State. This is the first Polo club or Polo arena in Nasarawa State. The whole idea is that since I have gone out there, seen, and conquered, I brought back home one or two, even three investments facilitated through the catalytic role of the Keffi Polo Ranch,” he explained. Highlighting the progress made over the past decade of polo activities in the state, he announced that each edition has recorded notable milestones. A newly built pavilion will be unveiled at the grand finale on Sunday, November 30. The pavilion has been named after George S. Coumantaros, founder of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), in recognition of the company’s consistent sponsorship of all Keffi Polo Ranch tournaments. Wadada, who proudly describes himself as a “horse rider,” said God has blessed him throughout his legislative journey—from the House of Representatives to the 10th Senate—prompting his desire to give back, not only to his former federal constituency or current senatorial district, but to the entire Nasarawa State. He also reaffirmed his intention to run for governor of Nasarawa State in 2027, declaring, by God’s grace, “I am the guy to beat come 2027.”

“I wish to use this opportunity to advise Nigerians, especially the youth to borrow a leaf from our latest hero- never to give up when they embark on a legitimate enterprise, no matter the obstacles. With youth like Tunde, Nigeria has greater hope to attain her potential”.