A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Bible reading marathon by reading the Holy Bible continuously for 144 hours. The record attempt, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” commenced on June 22 at Novotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and is expected to end on July 2, subject to Guinness World Records guidelines.
As of Saturday, Habibat had surpassed the 100-hour mark, moving into the final phase of the endurance challenge. Videos circulating on social media showed her reading aloud from the Bible while digital timers monitored her progress, as supporters gathered to encourage her throughout the exercise.
According to the organisers, the marathon is being conducted in line with Guinness World Records regulations, which require participants to read aloud continuously, with only limited breaks permitted for essential needs.
Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, described the challenge as a faith-inspired initiative designed to encourage people to study and engage more deeply with the Scriptures.
Her Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, said the exercise goes beyond breaking a world record, describing it as a spiritual mission aimed at honouring God’s Word and inspiring believers around the world.
The attempt has attracted support from family members, church members and well-wishers, while also generating widespread attention on social media amid the growing popularity of endurance record attempts by Nigerians.
Habibat’s challenge comes months after Nigerian Samson Ajao was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 2024 for setting the record for the longest marathon reading aloud.
Ajao, 27, from Ibadan, read continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
His achievement joined a growing list of Guinness World Record attempts by Nigerians, following high-profile endurance challenges such as Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon and several other marathon events.
Punch
