A-ARTs: Art on chessboard with world record holder Onakoya, artist Olagoke

Chess world record holder Tunde Onakoya (left) and artist Lanre Olagoke MBE.

WHEN a U.K-based group, Powerful Media, organised 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide event in late July, art and chess met. The chess record holder, Tunde Onakoya and artist, Lanre Olagoke MBE used the chessboard to showcase intelligence and creativity.

As a Guinness World Record holder, Onakoya made that history on April 20, 2024, after a chess marathon, held at Times Square, New York. Onakoya, who made the 60 hours chess marathon beat two previous world records of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds jointly held by two Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, in 2018.

For Olagoke, it was a well-deserved honour when he got listed as a recipient of MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) early this year. Founder of Art Alive Arts-Trust, he was formally presented the MBE award by Prince William at a ceremony in Windsor Castle. Olagoke's art activism in using creativity as empowerment tools for the underprivileged in the past 20 years was key factor that earned him the MBE honour.

At the '50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide' event, Olagoke was among the VIPs, whose presence as a fresh MBE radiated creative aura. During the event, Olagoke engaged the intelligence of Onakoya on the chessboard. "Tunde Onakoya is more than just a chess champion or a Guinness book of record holder," the artist noted after the event. "His dedication to driving positive change and inspiring the youth is truly commendable."

He eulogised Onakoya as a beacon of hope and a guiding light for today's young generation. Olagoke he had a fun playing chess with Onakoya, sharing what he described as "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." As much as the artist in him seemed to have missed chess, but painting is still the ultimate, declaring that "for now, I think I'll stick to painting." And having met Onakoya, the artist hoped that in the future there would be a partnership between him and the chess champion for the benefit of empowering Nigerian youths.

Apart from Onakoya, other Nigerians recognised on the global list, in the Sport category are Victor Osimhen, Anthony Joshua, Tobi Amusan, and Mike Emanalo. Also, Mike Adenuga, Tony Elumelu, Samad Rabiu, Atedo Peterside, 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 honour for his literary contributions to the world.

The 50 Global Influential Nigerians also recognised, among others, John Obara, Founder and CEO, SystemSpecs; Sola Akinlade, Co-Founder and CEO of Paystack, Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO, Paystack; Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly; Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne; Mitchell Elegbe, Founder, Interswitch; and Olugbenga Agboola, Founder, Flutterwave.

In the Arts & Media, Entertainment list, those so honoured 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; Yinka Shonibare, UK-based artist; Funke Akindele, Film-maker, Actress; Adesegun Adeosun Jnr and Obi Asika, Co-founders, Afro Nation; Don Jazzy, Founder and CEO Mavin Records; KSI, Social Media Influencer, Professional Boxer, Musician; Tiwa Savage, singer, actress; and David Oyelowo, Hollywood Actor.

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