Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, has completed a gruelling 144-hour marathon reading of the Holy Bible, a Guinness World Record attempt that has captivated the nation and drawn attention to the growing wave of endurance challenges sweeping across Nigeria. The feat, tagged "144 Hours in the Word," concluded on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Novotel Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where the challenge began on June 22, 2026.
Habibat, a member of Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, embarked on the six-day marathon with the aim of encouraging deeper engagement with Scripture and inspiring believers to develop a stronger commitment to Bible study. The attempt was conducted under strict Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs while requiring participants to read continuously aloud.
Describing the challenge as more than a pursuit of a world record, Habibat's Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, endorsed the attempt as a spiritual project designed to exalt God's Word and inspire believers. The initiative attracted widespread support from family members, friends, church members, and well-wishers, who gathered at the venue to cheer her on throughout the marathon.
Videos shared on social media showed Habibat reading from a lectern and at a desk, with digital timers tracking her progress. By Saturday, June 27, she had crossed the 100-hour mark, entering the final stretch of the endurance challenge. The event drew significant attention online, with many Nigerians praising her dedication and offering prayers for her successful completion.
Habibat's attempt comes months after Guinness World Records officially recognised Nigerian Samson Ajao in 2024 for setting the record for the world's longest marathon reading aloud. The 27-year-old from Ibadan read continuously for 215 hours, nearly nine full days, surpassing the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan's Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in Guinness World Record attempts since the global success of chef Hilda Baci's cook-a-thon. Since then, individuals from different professions and backgrounds have embarked on marathon challenges ranging from cooking and painting to sewing, reading, and other specialised skills, often using the platform to promote personal causes, raise awareness, or inspire communities.
Habibat's performance will now await official verification by Guinness World Records before it can be recognised. Whether or not the 144-hour Bible reading marathon results in a new Guinness World Record, supporters say the initiative has already succeeded in drawing attention to the place of Scripture in everyday life.
The journey to the record attempt reportedly began in June 2022 after years of preparation marked by consistency, endurance, and devotion. Her attempt follows the recognition of Nigerian Samson Ajao by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the world's longest marathon reading aloud.
As the verification process unfolds, Habibat's feat stands as a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the growing culture of endurance challenges in Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments