A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, is seeking to make history by attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Holy Bible reading marathon with a 144-hour endurance challenge taking place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to GreenRepublican, the record attempt, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” began on June 22 at the Novotel in Port Harcourt and is expected to conclude on July 2, subject to verification under the official Guinness World Records guidelines.
The initiative has drawn attention from Christians, residents and supporters across the country, many of whom have been following her progress online.
Crosses 100-hour milestone
As of Saturday, Habibat had successfully crossed the 100-hour mark, moving into the final phase of the marathon. Videos circulating on social media showed her reading passages from the Bible aloud from a lectern and at a desk while digital timers displayed the number of hours she had completed.
Supporters at the venue cheered her throughout the exercise, applauding her determination and encouraging her as she continued the demanding challenge. Family members, church members and friends have remained present to motivate her during the marathon.
Organisers explain challenge
According to the organisers, the attempt is being conducted strictly in line with Guinness World Records regulations governing marathon reading events. Participants are required to read continuously aloud and are permitted only limited breaks for essential needs in accordance with the rules.
The organisers expressed confidence that all procedures are being carefully observed to ensure the attempt qualifies for official assessment after the event concludes.
Faith-driven initiative
Habibat, who is a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, described the marathon as more than an attempt to break a world record. She explained that the project was inspired by her desire to encourage believers to spend more time studying the scriptures and to promote the message of God’s word.
Her Senior Pastor, Dr Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, also endorsed the initiative, describing it as a spiritual assignment aimed at glorifying God rather than merely achieving international recognition.
He said the marathon would inspire Christians to strengthen their faith and develop a deeper relationship with the Bible through consistent study and meditation.
Growing support nationwide
The challenge has continued to attract widespread support from church members, family, friends and well-wishers, while also generating significant interest on social media.
Many Nigerians have praised Habibat’s resilience and commitment, describing the attempt as a positive initiative that promotes faith and perseverance. Messages of encouragement have continued to pour in as she edges closer to completing the marathon.
Following Nigeria’s GWR success
Habibat’s attempt comes months after Guinness World Records officially recognised Nigerian Samson Ajao for setting the world record for the longest marathon reading aloud.
The Ibadan-born record holder completed an impressive 215-hour reading marathon in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
His achievement added to the growing list of Guinness World Record attempts by Nigerians, following the popularity of endurance challenges such as Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon and several other marathon events that have captured global attention.