Organised under the banner of the Nigeria Reads Initiative, the marathon took place at The Library, Lagos, and featured a team of five remarkable Nigerians whose diversity reflected the unity and collective spirit that define the nation. The marathoners were: John Obot (Akwa Ibom), Keturah Heman (Gombe), Stephen Oyelami (Osun), Preciouslight Ukachi (Imo), and Ogunremi Temitope (Kogi).
Over the course of 17 inspiring days, these literary champions read aloud from works authored exclusively by Nigerian writers — transforming the record attempt into a vibrant festival of knowledge, culture, and national identity. Each reader brought not only endurance but heart, bridging regional, ethnic, and cultural lines through a shared love for books and storytelling.
With this official certification, Nigeria now joins the distinguished ranks of nations that have used literature as a tool of enlightenment, unity, and global recognition. The record is not merely a triumph of endurance — it is a triumph of intellect, culture, and shared humanity
NIGERIA has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team, achieving an extraordinary 431 hours, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds of continuous reading.
Guinness World Records officially certified the record on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, by issuing the certificate.
A statement by the leader of the team, John Obot, reads in part:
Organised under the banner of the Nigeria Reads Initiative, the marathon took place at The Library, Lagos, and featured a team of five remarkable Nigerians whose diversity reflected the unity and collective spirit that define the nation. The marathoners were: John Obot (Akwa Ibom), Keturah Heman (Gombe), Stephen Oyelami (Osun), Preciouslight Ukachi (Imo), and Ogunremi Temitope (Kogi).
“Over the course of 17 inspiring days, these literary champions read aloud from works authored exclusively by Nigerian writers — transforming the record attempt into a vibrant festival of knowledge, culture, and national identity. Each reader brought not only endurance but heart, bridging regional, ethnic, and cultural lines through a shared love for books and storytelling.”
Obot, a teacher from Akwa Ibom state, who in 2023, as a solo entrant, set 145 hours to beat an existing 124-hour record, continued:
“At its core, the project was driven by three noble aims: to promote the reading culture among Nigerians, to encourage and celebrate homegrown authors, and to foster national unity through a shared intellectual pursuit. In a time when distractions often overshadow the quiet power of reading, the marathon became a movement — a clarion call to rediscover the magic of words and the transformative energy of literature.
“The event was more than a test of stamina; it was a symbol of purpose and patriotism. Each page turned represented hope. Each word spoken was a testament to resilience. Each hour endured was a statement that Nigeria’s story — in all its diversity — can be told with one voice, united by purpose and passion.
“The Nigeria Reads Initiative hailed the global recognition as “a victory for every Nigerian who believes that books can heal, unite, and build a better society.”
“With this official certification, Nigeria now joins the distinguished ranks of nations that have used literature as a tool of enlightenment, unity, and global recognition. The record is not merely a triumph of endurance — it is a triumph of intellect, culture, and shared humanity.
“Indeed, the message now echoes across the world with renewed pride and conviction: Nigeria reads. Nigeria leads. And through books, Nigeria unites”
