'May I Never Lose My Wonder' – Tunde Onakoya Declares As He Celebrates 32nd Birthday
Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya is celebrating his 32nd birthday, today , October 6.
The Guinness World Record holder took to his Instagram page to reflect on his journey and expressed gratitude for the life he has lived.
Onakoya said he remains grateful that he gets to change the world through his own eyes and with a heart that relentlessly pursues wonder. He expressed hope that he never becomes too grown to be amazed, that he always finds the courage to begin again, and that he preserves the tenderness to notice the small beautiful things in his ordinary days.
He revealed that the most important lesson he has learnt this year is that good success is earning the love and admiration of those who know you best. He thanked everyone for their kind and thoughtful messages, and stated that his greatest desire is to leave the world a little more hopeful than he found it.
He wrote:
"Today is my birthday. It's the 32nd chapter of my life. Getting old yikes. It feels like I've been here for much longer and have lived many lifetimes in this one wild, delightful existence."
"Through it all, I remain grateful that I get to change the world through my own eyes, and with a heart that is relentless in its own pursuit of wonder. And I hope I never become too grown to be amazed, that I always find the courage to begin again, and preserve the tenderness to notice the small beautiful things in my ordinary days."
"The most important lesson I have learnt this year is that good success is to have earned the love and admiration of those who know you best. I have felt that love so deeply today. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful messages."
"My greatest desire today and always is to leave the world a little more hopeful than I have found it. Happy birthday dreamer, may you never lose your wonder."
Tunde Onakoya gained prominence in April 2024 by completing a 60-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York. He went on to shatter his own milestone from April 17 to 20, 2025, validating an official 64-hour continuous chess marathon alongside US National Master Shawn Martinez to raise funds for children's education.
Tunde Onakoya is renowned for his philanthropic works as the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, with a focus on transforming the life of underprivileged kids.