When art met intelligence on the chessboard

Chess player Tunde Onakoya and artist Lanre Olagoke faced off at a celebration of globally influential Nigerians in the United Kingdom.

WHEN Chess record holder Tunde Onakoya and artist Lanre Olagoke, MBE, joined others in the United Kingdom to celebrate 50 globally influential Nigerians, it became a rare blend of intelligence and creativity on the chess board.

On April 20, 2024, Onakoya achieved a monumental feat, being crowned the Guinness World Record holder after a gruelling chess marathon at Times Square, New York. Onakoya’s endurance and skill were on full display as he pushed the marathon to a total of 60 hours, surpassing the previous world record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds, held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. This record-breaking achievement left the world in awe and admiration.

Olagoke, artist and founder of Art Alive Arts-Trust, made the list of King Charles honours early in 2024. He was formally presented the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire award by Prince William at a ceremony in Windsor Castle weeks ago.

And when a U.K.-based group, Powerful Media, organised 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide event in late July, Olagoke was among the VIPs, whose presence as a fresh MBE added flavour to the gathering. Alongside Onakoya on the global list were sportspersons, including Victor Osimhen, Anthony Joshua, Tobi Amusan, and Mike Emanalo in the Sports category.

Mike Adenuga, Tony Elumelu, Samad Rabiu, AtedoPeterside, Haresh Aswani, and Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, among others, made the Entrepreneur list.

For the event’s Hall of Fame, Prof Wole Soyinka, who just turned 90, was honoured for his literary contributions to the world.

As part of the Global 50 event, Olagoke and Onakoya collaborated to bring a unique blend of art and intelligence to the chessboard. Olagoke, deeply moved by Onakoya’s dedication to driving positive change and inspiring the youth, shared his admiration.

“Tunde Onakoya is more than just a chess champion or a Guinness Book of record holder,” Olagoke noted. “His commitment to making a difference and inspiring the next generation is truly inspiring,” he added.

Olagoke, the founder of Art Alive Arts-Trust (AAAT), reflected on the experience of playing against Onakoya, a world-class chess player. He noted that Onakoya serves as a beacon of hope and a guiding light for his current generation and those to come after him.

“It was a humbling experience for me to have the opportunity to play against such a world-class chess player, especially considering my lifelong love for the game,” Olagoke enthused. “However, for now, I think I’ll stick to painting,” he said, assuring that in the future, “we will continue to work together for the betterment of our beloved country, Nigeria, and, most importantly, for the empowerment of our youths.”

When Olagoke received his MBE, the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, was among those who sent a congratulatory letter to him. Appreciating the value of such recognition, the artist said Onakoya, who Governor Abiodun also eulogised, got a “well-deserved and perfectly timed honour.” Onakoya and Olagoke are both from Ogun State, southwest of Nigeria.

The 50 Global Influential Nigerians also recognised, among 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.

In the Arts, Media, and Entertainment list, the honourees include Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group; Nduka Obaigbena, Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel; John Momoh, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Channels TV; and Yinka Sonibare, UK-based artist. Others were actress Funke Akindele; Adesegun Adeosun Jnr and Obi Asika, co-founders of Afro Nation; Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Records; social media influencer KSI; Tiwa Savage, and Hollywood actor David Oyelowo.

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