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Chess Enthusiast Tunde Onakoya Nearing 58 – Hour Mark in Guinness World Record Bid
Tunde Onakoya, the brain behind the Chess in Slum Initiative Africa, is on the brink of achieving a remarkable feat: breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess game. Since kicking off his ambitious endeavor on Wednesday, April 17, Tunde has been unstoppable, facing off against a myriad of opponents and even triumphing over New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez.
Located amidst the bustling energy of Times Square, New York City, Tunde’s marathon has reached an impressive 38.02 hours, accompanied by an equally impressive fundraising tally of approximately $40,625 (roughly equivalent to 46,762,625 Nigerian Naira).
In his latest update shared on the X platform, Tunde proudly announced his milestone of completing 100 games, with 87 matches against his formidable adversary, Coach Shawn Martinez, and 13 encounters with other challengers. With 31 hours under his belt and 27 more to go, Tunde expressed optimism about his chances of success, urging supporters to continue streaming and donating to the cause.
As Tunde perseveres through the grueling marathon, his supporters both near and far rally behind him, eagerly anticipating the moment when he secures the coveted Guinness World Record title.
It’s important to highlight that Tunde’s ultimate goal is to reach the 58-hour mark, with Guinness officials closely monitoring the match before officially bestowing him with the prestigious record.
The chess community, along with enthusiasts worldwide, eagerly await the outcome of Tunde Onakoya’s remarkable journey as he inches closer to making history.
April 18 in African History: Reflecting on Key Events and Milestones
April 18 marks a significant day in African history, with various events and milestones shaping the continent’s cultural, political, and social landscape. From independence movements to cultural celebrations, this date holds profound importance for many African nations. Let’s take a journey through time to explore some of the notable events that have occurred on April 18.
1. Independence Day in Zimbabwe:
On April 18, 1980, Zimbabwe achieved independence from British colonial rule. Following years of struggle and resistance, the country emerged as a sovereign nation, ending decades of oppression and paving the way for self-governance. Independence Day in Zimbabwe is celebrated annually, honoring the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and commemorating the birth of a new nation.
2. Birth of Maria Mutola:
April 18 also marks the birth of Maria Mutola, one of Mozambique’s greatest athletes and a trailblazer in women’s track and field. Born in 1972, Mutola rose to prominence as a middle-distance runner, winning numerous medals and accolades throughout her illustrious career. She became the first Mozambican athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, inspiring generations of athletes across Africa and beyond.
3. World Heritage Day:
While not exclusive to Africa, April 18 is also observed as World Heritage Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the cultural heritage of humanity. In Africa, this serves as an opportunity to showcase the continent’s rich history, diverse traditions, and invaluable heritage sites. From ancient civilizations to natural wonders, Africa boasts a wealth of cultural treasures that deserve recognition and preservation.
4. Environmental Conservation Efforts:
In recent years, April 18 has also been associated with initiatives focused on environmental conservation and sustainability in Africa. As climate change and environmental degradation pose growing threats to the continent’s ecosystems, there is a growing awareness of the need to protect Africa’s natural heritage. From tree planting campaigns to wildlife conservation projects, communities across Africa are taking action to safeguard the environment for future generations.
5. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations:
Throughout Africa, April 18 may coincide with various cultural festivals and celebrations that showcase the region’s diverse traditions and heritage. From music and dance festivals to religious observances and traditional ceremonies, these events serve as platforms for community engagement, cultural exchange, and preservation of indigenous practices.
As we reflect on April 18 in African history, let us honor the achievements of the past, celebrate the richness of Africa’s cultural heritage, and renew our commitment to building a brighter future for the continent and its people.
Unveiling the Significance of April 17 in African History: A Journey Through Key Events
April 17 marks a significant day in African history, characterized by pivotal moments that have shaped the continent’s trajectory. From political milestones to cultural celebrations, this date holds deep significance for various African nations and their people. In this article, we embark on a journey through time to explore some of the noteworthy events that have occurred on April 17, shedding light on their impact and relevance.
1. The Founding of Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU):
On April 17, 1963, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) was founded in Tanzania. ZANU played a crucial role in the liberation struggle against colonial rule in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Led by iconic figures such as Robert Mugabe, ZANU advocated for the rights of Black Zimbabweans and ultimately contributed to the country’s independence in 1980.
2. Malawi Celebrates Independence:
April 17, 1964, marks a historic day for Malawi, as the country gained independence from British colonial rule. Following decades of struggle and resistance, Malawi emerged as a sovereign nation, ushering in a new era of self-governance and national identity. Independence Day remains a significant annual celebration, commemorating the courage and resilience of the Malawian people.
3. World Hemophilia Day:
While not exclusive to Africa, April 17 is also recognized as World Hemophilia Day, an occasion aimed at raising awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. In many African countries, access to adequate healthcare for individuals with hemophilia remains a challenge. Efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients are essential in addressing this issue and promoting health equity across the continent.
4. Environmental Conservation Efforts in Rwanda:
On April 17, 2010, Rwanda made history by becoming the first country in the world to ban plastic bags. This bold initiative, aimed at combating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices, underscored Rwanda’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. The ban on plastic bags has since been credited with significantly reducing pollution and preserving Rwanda’s natural beauty.
April 17 stands as a day of remembrance, celebration, and advocacy in African history. From the struggle for independence to the ongoing fight for environmental preservation and healthcare access, the events of this day reflect the resilience and determination of the African people. As we commemorate these milestones, let us honor the past while working towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
Family of Vigilante in Port Harcourt Raises Concerns Over Son’s Death
The family of Uche Orukwo, a 32-year-old vigilante who was allegedly shot dead by gunmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has disputed the police’s assertion that his death was linked to suspected cultists.
Uche’s father, Pastor Moses Orukwo, believes that his son was actually killed by his own colleagues who were part of an operation together on the day of the tragic incident.
While the state police command indicated that Uche was killed by suspected cultists targeting a rival group, Pastor Orukwo suspects foul play and questions the circumstances surrounding his son’s demise.
He alleges that animosity and jealousy towards his son escalated after he was promoted to the second-in-command position within the Diobu Vigilante unit where he served.
Calling for a thorough investigation, Pastor Orukwo urges the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, to look into the matter by inviting the vigilante commander and the team members who were present during the operation with his son.
Emphasizing discrepancies in the narrative, Pastor Orukwo points out that essential items like Uche’s rifle, mobile phone, and the money in his possession were not taken by the alleged culprits, raising doubts about the reported scenario.
He stresses the need for all individuals involved in the operation to provide accurate information to shed light on the truth behind Uche’s tragic death.
The family seeks justice and transparency in the investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding Uche Orukwo’s untimely passing.
When asked about the person responsible for the operation that day, the grieving father responded, “It was his commander. You know, as a boss, when he assigns a task, it’s hard to refuse. It’s part of the job; you have to follow your leader’s orders, even if you’re not aware of their intentions. It feels like a conspiracy.”
He continued, “Even the alleged cult members they claimed killed him were nowhere to be seen. There was no sign of them because they were heading towards the end of the street, towards the waterside, before this incident occurred.”
Bobrisky Faces Court Trial for Alleged Naira Misuse and Money Laundering Charges
Nigerian social media personality, Bobrisky, faced trial in court following an arrest by the EFCC on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Bobrisky was charged with money laundering and misuse of funds.
In court, it was revealed that Bobrisky allegedly ran a business named Bob Express without following money laundering regulations. Over N127 million was reporte,dly deposited into the company’s account between September 1, 2021, and April 4, 2024.
The EFCC accuses Bobrisky of not declaring the company’s activities as required by law. Another N53 million was also allegedly paid into the company’s account during this time, leading to additional charges.
Sierra Leone Puts Spotlight on Oil and Gas Potential at African Energy Week
Exciting news alert! Sierra Leone’s Petroleum Directorate (PDSL) just teamed up with the African Energy Week (AEW) conference happening in Cape Town this November! 🎉
This partnership is huge for Sierra Leone’s energy game, showing off their dedication to making friends worldwide and shining a spotlight on their oil and gas potential. After wrapping up their fifth licensing round, big names are lining up to get in on the action.
At AEW, the PDSL is gearing up to spill the beans on their exploration efforts and shout out about investment opportunities. With three companies already in the running for exploration and production licenses, it’s clear that Sierra Leone’s upstream sector is back in business!
NJ Ayuk, the big cheese at the African Energy Chamber, gave Sierra Leone a big thumbs up for rolling out the red carpet for investors. He’s pumped about the upcoming licensing rounds, seeing them as golden opportunities for exploration and uncovering hidden treasures in Sierra Leone’s energy sector.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to witness Sierra Leone strutting its stuff at AEW, ready to charm international pals and score some sweet deals in the oil and gas world! 🌍💼 #EnergyGameChanger #SierraLeoneShines #AEW2024
Bobrisky’s Brush with the Law: What Happens if Guilty of Naira Shenanigans, According to EFCC!
Guess what’s making headlines? The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) just scooped up none other than the famed crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, on Thursday, April 4th! So, what’s the buzz about? Well, it turns out Bobrisky got into hot water for what’s called “naira mutilation” – basically, throwing around cash in public.
The EFCC got wind of Bobrisky’s cash-spraying antics at the premiere of a movie by Nollywood actress Eniola Ajao on March 24, 2024, and they weren’t too thrilled about it. But get this – it seems this isn’t Bobrisky’s first rodeo. Nope, he’s allegedly been making it rain at other events too!
Now, here’s the kicker: Barrister Stanley Alieke, a human rights champ, spilled the beans in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng. He revealed that anyone caught tossing cash like confetti could be looking at a stint in the slammer – yup, six months behind bars!
But hold up, there’s a twist! The police say they can’t just nab Bobrisky and fellow crossdressers left and right. Why? Well, they’re waiting on some solid evidence to back up the claims that they’ve been up to no good. It’s like trying to win a court case without all the right proof – tough luck!
So, there you have it – Bobrisky’s cash-flinging escapades have landed him in some serious trouble, but will he walk the plank or come out shining? Stay tuned for the latest on this glam saga!
Sierra Leone’s Bank Turns Up the Heat on Interest Rates to Tackle Rising Prices!
Hey, guess what? The Bank of Sierra Leone just made a big decision! So, imagine you’re at a meeting with a bunch of important people, including Dr. Ibrahim L. Stevens, the big boss at the bank. They’re talking about money stuff, and they decided to do something to help with a big problem they’re facing.
See, there’s this thing called inflation, which means prices keep going up, and it’s causing a lot of trouble. So, to try to fix it, they decided to raise something called the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 1 percentage point. Now it’s at 23.25 percent!
Why did they do this? Well, the world is going through some tough times right now, with fights between countries and problems getting stuff from one place to another. Plus, energy prices keep going up and down like a roller coaster.
But hey, it’s not all bad news. Things have been getting a bit better since last October when it comes to prices going up. They’ve been going up a bit slower, which is good. They think the economy will grow by about 3.1 percent this year, which is alright, but they want it to be even better.
They’re also working on making sure they have enough money from other countries and making sure the government doesn’t spend too much. The banks seem to be doing okay, but they still need to keep an eye on things.
So, what’s next? Well, they’re going to keep watching what’s happening around the world and in Sierra Leone, of course. They’ll have another meeting in June to see if they need to do anything else.
So, there you have it! The Bank of Sierra Leone is trying to keep things steady and make sure your money doesn’t lose its value. Let’s hope their plan works out!
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