Nigerian woman Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Holy Bible reading marathon with a 144-hour non-stop reading challenge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The record attempt, themed “144 Hours in the Word,” began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, and is expected to end on July 2, subject to the official guidelines of Guinness World Records.
By Saturday, Habibat had successfully surpassed the 100-hour mark, moving into the final phase of the marathon.
Videos circulating on social media show her reading the Bible aloud from a lectern and desk while digital timers monitor her progress. Family members, church members and other supporters have remained at the venue to encourage her throughout the challenge.
According to the organisers, the marathon is being conducted in line with Guinness World Records regulations, which require participants to read continuously aloud while observing only the limited breaks allowed under the rules.
Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, said the initiative is inspired by her Christian faith and is aimed at encouraging people to develop a deeper commitment to studying God’s Word.
Her Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, described the challenge as more than an attempt to break a world record, saying it is a spiritual mission intended to honour the Bible and inspire believers around the world.
The record attempt has continued to attract widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians joining family, friends and church members in supporting the initiative.
Habibat’s marathon follows the recognition of Nigerian reader Samson Ajao by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the world’s longest marathon reading aloud.
Ajao, who is from Ibadan, achieved the feat after reading continuously for 215 hours—almost nine days—breaking the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
His accomplishment further boosted Nigeria’s growing reputation for ambitious Guinness World Record attempts, following several endurance challenges that have captured national and international attention.
