News
Tunde Onakoya Breaks Chess World Record, Targets 70-Hour Milestone
Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has again broken the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon, crossing the 61-hour mark in New York City alongside American chess champion Shawn Martinez.
The duo surpassed the previous benchmark of 61 hours early Sunday morning and is now pushing toward an ambitious 70-hour goal. The marathon, staged at the heart of Times Square, began on Wednesday, April 17, and is expected to end Sunday, April 20.
Announcing the milestone via X (formerly Twitter), Onakoya wrote, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record!”
But the chess campaign, according to Onakoya, is about more than just setting a record. “It’s been over 50 hours of chess beneath the lights of Times Square. Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance,” he shared. “If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us.”
Onakoya emphasised that the marathon aims to raise awareness and funds to establish Nigeria’s largest tuition-free school for homeless children. “Proceeds from my limited edition chess sets will go directly towards our fundraising goal,” he stated. “Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival.”
In a separate post, he reflected on the emotional and symbolic weight of the challenge: “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? Sometimes the world won’t hand you 70 hours on a golden platter. Sometimes, you have to carve it out of your own breath, your own becoming. Not for applause. Not for records. But for the quiet dreamers who need to see someone leap—so they know it’s possible to fly.”
The event has drawn global attention and featured heartwarming moments, including a visit from Martinez’s wife and their newborn twins. Young children were also invited to participate briefly, reinforcing the educational and community-driven spirit behind the initiative.
This is Onakoya’s second attempt at breaking the marathon chess record. In April 2024, he and Martinez completed 60 hours, eclipsing the then-record of 56 hours set by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018. However, that record was overtaken just two months later by another Norwegian duo who clocked 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds.
Now, a year later, Onakoya and Martinez are determined to reclaim the title—this time with a record that may stand for much longer.
News
Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.
More details later….
News
Reserves Surge To $48.5bn As Nigeria Reclaims 2013 Peak Levels
Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have reached $48.5 billion, their highest level in nearly 13 years.
This milestone, confirmed by data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), surpasses previous multi-year peaks and represents the strongest balance since May 14, 2013, when reserves stood at approximately $48.51 billion.
However, the data showed that the foreign reserves increased steadily by 6.45 percent or $2.94 billion year-to-date, from $45.56 billion reported on January 1 to $48.5 billion.
Further checks showed that the FX reserves figure was $48.36 billion on Monday.
According to the CBN, FX reserves are assets held on reserve by a monetary authority in foreign currencies, which are used to back liabilities and influence monetary policy.
On December 22, 2025, the apex bank projected that the country’s external reserves would rise to $51.04 billion in 2026, saying the increase will be supported by FX reforms.
“Reforms in the foreign exchange market are expected to sustain exchange rate stability, while external reserves are projected to increase to US$51.04 billion,” CBN said.
On February 10, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the bank will do “whatever it takes” to safeguard the value of the naira, while strengthening the country’s external reserves.
Looking ahead to 2030, he said the CBN’s targets include achieving single-digit inflation and growing foreign exchange (FX) reserves driven by non-oil exports, foreign direct investment, and diaspora remittances.
News
Ogun Police Launch Investigation Into TikToker Mirabel’s Sexual Assault Claims
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a TikToker known as Mirabel (@mirab351), who is currently receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The case gained widespread attention after she posted emotional videos on Monday, February 16, detailing an attack she claimed occurred at her home the previous Sunday.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Brief.
Babaseyi confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily visited the Ibafo Police Division on Tuesday, February 17, to lodge a formal complaint and was subsequently admitted to the hospital for medical care due to her unstable condition.
“When the DPO in Ibafo met with her, she was taken to the hospital for medical analysis. She wasn’t as stable as necessary, but we ensured the investigation continued.
“As we speak, she is in the intensive care unit getting appropriate care. Her medical well-being is more important to us at this point. When she is stable, we can now continue investigations and get the necessary facts,” Babaseyi said.
According to Babaseyi, the incident reportedly occurred in Ogijo, a border community between Ogun and Lagos states.
The police have established that Mirabel was not arrested, but rather, she is being treated as a victim.
The command urges individuals with useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“She was not arrested by the police. She reported a case, and we are investigating. Nothing like her arrest happened,” he said.
“If the allegation is established to be true, the perpetrator will be arrested and charged to court appropriately. Otherwise, the law also addresses giving false information,” the police stated.
The police said they will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion and take appropriate action.
“We advise people not to jump to conclusions based on emotions. We are investigating and will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion,” Babaseyi said.
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