Nigerian victory for books as John Obot leads team of 5 to Guinness World Record triumph

By Editor

HISTORY has once again smiled on Nigeria — and this time, it came through the power of books, words, and unbreakable determination. The Guinness World Records officially announced that a team of five Nigerians, led by an Akwa Ibom son, John Obot, has set a new world record for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team — after reading continuously for an astonishing 431 hours (equivalent to 18 days nonstop reading).

The record-breaking feat, organized by the Nigeria Reads Initiative, took place at The Library, Lagos, and has now been confirmed as successful by Guinness World Records — officially dethroning the previous record holders from the Dominican Republic, who had held the title since 2011 after reading for 365 hours 39 seconds.

This victory is not just about endurance — it is about purpose, patriotism, and the power of collective intellect. For 18 unforgettable days, the team read 79 books by Nigerian authors, shining a global spotlight on the richness, creativity, and depth of Nigerian literature. From timeless classics to contemporary works, their voices carried the stories, struggles, and spirit of a nation determined to reclaim the culture of reading.

At its heart, this extraordinary achievement had a noble mission — to revive the reading culture, celebrate Nigerian authors, and foster national unity. The five marathon readers, drawn from different regions of Nigeria, stood together as one family, one purpose, and one voice. They proved that despite our differences, Nigeria remains a country bound by a shared heritage of intellect, resilience, and hope.

For Obot, who has now led Nigeria to this monumental milestone, this triumph is a continuation of his lifelong passion for literacy and youth development. His leadership, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence have inspired millions — not just to read, but to believe again in the transforming power of knowledge.

This record is not only a Guinness World Record; it is a testament to the indomitable Nigerian spirit — a reminder that we can be world-class when we unite for a worthy cause. It is a victory for every teacher who inspires, every author who writes, every student who dreams, and every Nigerian who still believes that the pen remains mightier than the sword.

As the world applauds this historic accomplishment, may it spark a new wave of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across our nation. Let classrooms come alive again. Let libraries fill up again. Let books become our bridge to greatness once more.

Congratulations to John Obot and the Nigeria Reads Team — new Guinness World Record holders for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team (431 Hours)! Nigeria has read her way into history — and the story has just begun.

Team Guinness World Record for Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team: John Obot (Akwa Ibom – left); Keturah Heman (Gombe); Preciouslight Ukachi (Imo); Stephen Oyelami (Osun) and Ogunremi Temitope (Kogi)