In an attempt to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) in Longest Marathon Read-Aloud, two other Nigerians are attempting to overtake John Obot for the coveted title, Straightnews has learnt.
Recall that John Obot from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, broke the Guinness World Records (GWR) for the longest marathon read-aloud event in September 2023.
Obot dusted the 124-hour mark set by Rysbai Isakov, an Indian who previously held the title, by clocking 145 hours.
Despite the bold attempt, GWR is yet to officially recognise Obot as the current holder.
An insider confided in Straightnews newspaper that the Obot’s Technical team is yet to release the recorded event to him due to irreconcilable differences for presentation to GWR for assessment and possible conferment of the title on the winner.
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However, two persons from Cross River and Edo States are jostling to break the record.
Six days ago, a student of Faculty of Arts and Social Science Education, University of Calabar, Ori Benedict Agbor, expressed his readiness to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) for the longest read-aloud.
In an interview session published by TNN, Agbor announced that following official approval of his request by the GWR, and commenced the longest read-aloud exercise on Monday, February 12 and that it was expected to last for six days.
According to him, “I am pleased to share this inspired dream with you all and how it sprang forth. This idea wasn’t bargained, thought, or booked for; it was an inspired dream that came into the limelight because of my aspiration.
“When I was nine years old, I always wished and prayed for the world to hear me spreading the gospel of God. The inspiration came when a renowned chef brought a record to Nigeria, and a fellow student successfully attempted the longest writing record.
On November 28, 2023, I woke up with a strong urge to share the word of God, and that day, the inspiration reached its peak.”
On the books he intends to read, Agbor said “I intend to read the Bible. Reading the Bible from the holy books of Genesis to Revelation is the main aim of this attempt.
“I have subjected myself to a series of physical and mental tests; engaging in daily exercises to ensure I am 100 per cent fit for this task. I anchor this task on a Bible verse: “It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.
“There’s rest duration of 20 minutes per hour. My plan is to read for six hours, rest for 1 hour in the afternoon, then read again for another six hours.
“I have an amazing team already and my manager is a blessing; providing advice, love, and support. She is my greatest push. Many people are ready to support me physically, financially, and more. My parents were initially a little scared but are now 100% supportive, trusting that I will make my dreams of spreading the word of God come true.”
In another clime, Osariemen Angel Asein Patience, a young lady from Edo state, Nigeria is set to embark on an extraordinary endeavour – a 200-hour “Longest read-aloud marathon by an individual” for the Guinness World Record.
She envisions that this event will provide a unique opportunity for her to inspire individuals to explore the world of literature, especially Benin literature and culture heritage; spread awareness about irregular migration, human trafficking, climate change, and life below water.
She has carefully curated books that are centred on these themes for the attempt.
The official PR organization for this auspicious event, Genius Hub is dedicated to promoting these causes as they are significant towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Recall that Obot started reading on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at City view Hall (LETTERS HOUSE), Watbridge Hotels & Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by 1 pm after some technical hitches with equipment and power failures that invalidated his initial attempt of over 45 hours.
After reaching the 145-hour mark on Monday, September 18, 2023, an excited Obot declared that he would continue reading until 10 pm Monday and thanked everyone present for the support.
Obot, a school teacher, is the son of the late journalist John Obot, who died in active service as the Akwa Ibom State correspondent of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
