A Nigerian from Akwa Ibom State Southern region of Nigeria, John Obot has attempted to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest marathon reading aloud contest, hitting 145 hours
Obot, who is a teacher, started reading on Tuesday, September 9th, 2023, at Cityview Hall, Watbridge Hotels & Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by 1 pm (local time) after some technical hitches with equipment and power failures that invalidated his initial attempt of over 45 hours.
After getting approval from the World Guinness Record, Obot started again on September 12th and reached the 145-hour mark on Monday, September 18, 2023, achieving the world record for the longest individual hours spent reading.
If certified by the Guinness World Records, Mr Obot would have beaten a previous record of 124 hours set in September 2022 by a Kyrgyzstan, Rysbai Isakov, in Bursa, Turkey.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udo congratulated Mr. John Obot for this achievement and indicated that his success has ignited the reading culture in the State.
He said; “This is what we all can do in our various fields with the right discipline, mindset, determination, and focus. This is what the Akwa Ibom spirit represents: Resilience, grit, determination, ‘can-do’ bravado, and passion to excel.
“Your success has ignited our reading culture and I look forward to celebrating you and other heroes and heroines during our forthcoming 36th State Anniversary.”
Obot was cheered by a large crowd of supporters who came to witness the world record-breaking event live in Uyo the state capital.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah, the Commissioner of Education Idongesit Etiebiet, and other notable politicians were also present at the event.
The reading marathon was supported by the Uyo Book Club, founded by Dr Udene Nana, who is also the Chief Programme Director of the Readmania team.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
