Tunde Onakoya

Adewale Tinubu

Attempt by Nigerian-born chess player, Tunde Onakoya, to break the Guinness World Record has received a boost with the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando Group, Mr Adewale Tinubu, throwing his weight behind his effort.

Tinubu, on his social handles, lauded the ingenuity of the young Nigerian.

He wrote: ‘’It’s been 27 hours and counting since  the Grand Chess master took on the inspiring feat of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square, New York City, as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children across Africa.

“Let’s take a leaf from Tunde Onakoya’s  book because, in all of us, there exists the capacity for great courage and good. Tunde Onakoya is a truly inspirational story, it’s one of determination, tenacity and, above all, passion for humanity, and one that we must all learn from. Bring it home!’’

Onakoya, 29, who is in New York City, aims not only to break the world record of 56 hours set in 2018,  but also to raise money for the Gift of Chess and  Chess in Slums Africa organisations that aim to use the game to lift children out of poverty.

Bigi Carbonated Soft Drink, a leading Nigerian beverage brand, is thrilled to announce that it is again the headline sponsor of the 9th season of Nigerian Idol, Africa’s biggest music reality TV show, as it has previously powered it in three other editions, in Seasons 6,7, and 8.

This reaffirms Bigi’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of the Nigerian entertainment industry and empowering aspiring talents to achieve their dreams.

Since her first sponsorship in season 6, Bigi has witnessed the rise of remarkable talents like Kingdom Kroseide, Progress Chukwuyem, and Victory Gbakara. Season 8 saw Bigi go above and beyond with exciting campus activations, engaging live show activities like the life-size Bigi Chiller photobooth, and captivating events like the Ikeja City Mall Flash Mob and shoppers dash where the top three finalists bought household items worth over a million naira.

This season, Bigi promises to raise the bar even higher, ensuring its presence resonates throughout the entire journey. From pre-show events to live performances and beyond, the brand aims to be on the lips and in the hearts of everyone involved.

Biola Aransiola, Assistant Brand Manager, Bigi, states “We are excited to be back for Nigerian Idol Season 9, and we can’t wait to share our exciting plans! As a brand that cares deeply for its consumers, Bigi wants to empower talent and provide a platform for dreams to take flight.” Aransiola adds, “Our partnership with Nigerian Idol is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to seeing young talents thrive and reach their full potential.”

Bigi’s partnership reflects a shared passion for nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to shine. This aligns perfectly with the show’s theme, “Dare to Dream,” encouraging individuals to chase their aspirations and believe in their potential.

As a brand synonymous with joy and refreshment, Bigi promises to inject fun and excitement into every episode of Nigerian Idol Season 9. Get ready for a season filled with talent, excitement, inspiring stories, the shared pursuit of dreams, and the refreshing taste of Bigi.