Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
A Kano based fashion designer, Abdulkadir Hassanul Basari, has completed a 120-hour non-stop sewing marathon in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest sewing marathon while producing school uniforms for underprivileged children in public schools.
The five-day challenge, tagged "Sew for the Nation," began on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the sports complex of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria in Kano, and concluded on Monday, October 12, 2026. Basari, the Chief Executive Officer of Basari Apparels and Textiles Nigeria Limited, announced the initiative in a video shared on his social media accounts on October 1, explaining that the project combined his ambition to break a world record with efforts to support access to education for vulnerable pupils.
Basari is seeking to surpass the existing record of 106 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds achieved by fellow Nigerian tailor Oluwaseun Kuforiji in January 2025. Kuforiji, a graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, set the record between January 22 and 26, 2025, using only a needle and thread and completing 18 outfits during his attempt. Guinness World Records officially recognised his achievement in March 2025. Basari's reported 120 hours exceeds Kuforiji's mark by 13 hours, four minutes and 40 seconds.
Speaking about the motivation behind the initiative, Basari said the uniforms produced during the marathon would be donated to pupils in public schools who need assistance. "I'll be sewing school uniforms to support the less privileged pupils at the public schools," he said. He described the challenge as more than a personal endurance test, saying it was also intended to inspire artisans and young Nigerians to pursue their ambitions while contributing positively to society. "This is more than a record, this is for every dreamer, every artisan and every young Nigerian with a vision," he said, urging members of the public to support the initiative.
A video circulating on social media captured the tailor celebrating and offering Islamic prayers after completing the challenge, with the atmosphere at the venue turning festive as those present joined in the jubilation. The initiative, tagged "Sew for the Nation," was designed to demonstrate how vocational skills and determination could contribute to community development.
However, completing the 120-hour marathon does not automatically guarantee a new world record. Guinness World Records must assess and verify the attempt in line with its established requirements before any official recognition can be granted. The organisation's published record for the longest sewing marathon currently stands at 106 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds.
The sewing marathon requires sustained concentration, physical endurance and compliance with the applicable rules governing the record category. Kuforiji, the current record holder, had aspired to set a record of 120 hours but ended up achieving 107 hours. His success as the first Nigerian to hold the record reinforced the country's reputation for producing artisans capable of competing on the global stage.
Basari's attempt adds tailoring to the growing list of Guinness World Record categories in which Nigerians have sought to make their mark, from cooking marathons to singing marathons and other endurance challenges. The initiative also highlights the potential of vocational skills and entrepreneurship to contribute to community development, particularly in a country where access to education remains a challenge for many children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For Basari, the marathon represents both a personal achievement and a charitable cause. The school uniforms sewn during the five-day challenge will provide practical assistance to pupils whose families may struggle to afford them, addressing one of the barriers that can prevent children from being adequately prepared for school. Whether he becomes the next Nigerian to hold the sewing-marathon title will depend on Guinness World Records' assessment of his attempt. Until then, his 120-hour finish remains a completed record attempt rather than a confirmed new world record.
The outcome of the verification process will determine whether the Kano-based designer is officially recognised as the new record holder, but the initiative has already drawn attention to the creativity, determination and community spirit of Nigerian artisans.
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