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GWR snubs Onakoya, announces Norwegians as new chess record holders

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Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, two men from Norway, have broken the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon.

In a recent blog post, GWR said Blikra Vea and Bryn “earned a place in history” after playing chess for 61 hours, 03 minutes, and 34 seconds.

The British reference book added that the feat was achieved in Stavanger, Norway, on June 4, 2024.

“In a stunning display of endurance and mental fortitude, and after playing a total of 383 five-minute blitz games, the record was officially confirmed at 10 p.m. local time in Stavanger, Norway,” it said.

The GWR, however, remained silent on Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate, who completed a 60-hour chess marathon in New York without losing a single game.

On April 17, Onakoya embarked on his record-breaking attempt and even played chess with Shawn Martinez, also a chess master. During the attempt, he launched a fundraiser to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat.

On April 20, the Nigerian surpassed the 56-hour mark; the previous record set by two other Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad on November 11, 2018.

GWR is typically expected to vet an attempt before confirming that a new record has been set on any task.

While Blikra Vea and Bryn’s record of 61 hours may be ahead of Onakoya’s 60 hours, the British reference book appeared to have taken no notice of the Nigerian’s attempt.

How long does it take?

The length of time for the application process and then the evidence review for the attempt itself depends on the type of application selected.

The GWR reviews documentation in 12 weeks and tells applicants whether their attempt has been accepted or rejected — that is for standard record attempts. When there are many applications, the waiting time may be longer, at least 16 weeks.

It however remains unclear why the Norwegians, whose attempt was concluded on June 4, were responded to while the GWR has yet to reveal if they accepted or rejected that of Onakoya (April 20).

Entertainment

Adetshina addresses identity theft claim, says she earned Miss Universe Nigeria win

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Chidimma Adetshina, the recently crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has finally addressed the claims of identity theft in South Africa.

Chidimma was born in 2001 in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Her father is of Igbo descent while some reports said her mother is a Mozambican who had become a naturalized citizen of South Africa.

The model sparked controversy during this year’s Miss South Africa pageant due to her nationality.

This led to a surge of criticism on social media, particularly from South Africans. Chidimma would later withdraw from the Miss South Africa contest.

Her withdrawal came after the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for South Africa alleged that preliminary evidence suggests Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

Speaking on the matter in an Arise TV interview, the 23-year-old denied any wrongdoing, saying “I didn’t steal anyone’s identity”.

The young woman, however, declined to elaborate, citing ongoing investigations and concerns about potential contradictions.

“I did not steal anyone’s identity. Obviously I am still waiting on the conclusion of the whole case and matter, then moving forward, I will know exactly what to say,” she said.

“Because I feel like now if I say something and something comes out tomorrow, it could be like but you said this then something else. I am just avoiding all those two things contradicting one another.”

On August 14, the model accepted the invitation to participate in this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. She was recently crowned winner of the pageant.

Speaking on her victory, Chidimma also dismissed insinuations that she won the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant “out of pity”.

She argued that she went through the same rigorous experience as all contestants, adding that “I worked hard to earn my title”.

“A lot of people felt like it was a pity win and I do not think so. I feel like I really worked hard. Coming from the SA journey, we spent 10 weeks in camp,” she said.

“It might have been a slight difference but I feel like, if we have to look at the journey that we have all been through, I feel like I had the same experience that they did.”

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Yemi Shodimu fumes after buying petrol at N1k per litre

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Yemi Shodimu, the ace actor, has expressed frustration over the ongoing petrol scarcity and price hike in Nigeria.

In a video shared on TikTok, Shodimu sang a re-composed song, thanking God for being able to buy 30 litres of petrol at N30,000.

The actor also asked if Nigerians are okay with the situation.

“I thank God I was able to buy fuel. I thank God I was able to get fuel. N30, 000 for 30 litres,” he sings.

“Are we seriously okay?”

Shodimu’s outburst follows the significant increase in petrol prices after President Bola Tinubu scrapped subsidies in 2023.

The official pump price had previously been N600/litre while the landing cost exceeded N1,200.

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Skales calls out Green Africa Airline over N15 million loss due to flight cancellation

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Nigerian singer Skales lost ₦15 million after his flight to Akure was canceled due to the pilot’s illness.

Skales shared his frustration in a video, criticizing the airline, Green Africa, for last-minute communication and poor service. His experience highlights ongoing concerns about airline reliability in Nigeria.

Singer Skales expressed his frustration after an Akure-bound flight was canceled due to the pilot’s illness. In a video shared on social media, Skales confronted airline officials, revealing that the cancellation caused him to lose ₦15 million from a deal.

He criticized the airline, Green Africa, for poor communication and disrespect, questioning why they waited until the last minute to inform passengers of the issue.

Skales emphasized the financial loss, stating he had been paid ₦15 million for the event he was meant to attend. His outburst reflects growing dissatisfaction with airline services in Nigeria.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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