A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, is on course to complete a 144-hour Bible reading marathon as she seeks to earn a place in the Guinness World Records.
The endurance challenge, titled “144 Hours in the Word,” commenced on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, in Rivers State and is scheduled to conclude on July 2, subject to Guinness World Records’ official rules.
By Sunday morning, Habibat had exceeded the 100-hour milestone, leaving her in the closing stretch of the ambitious attempt.
Videos shared on social media captured her reading the Bible aloud from a lectern and while seated at a desk, with digital timers tracking her progress. Family members, friends and fellow worshippers have remained at the venue to encourage her throughout the marathon.
Organisers said the attempt is being conducted in line with Guinness World Records regulations, which require continuous reading aloud while permitting only limited breaks for essential needs.
Habibat, who is a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, described the marathon as a faith-inspired project designed to encourage people to engage more deeply with the Scriptures.
The initiative has generated significant interest on social media and adds to the growing number of Guinness World Record attempts by Nigerians in recent years.
The challenge also follows the recognition of Samson Ajao of Ibadan by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the longest marathon reading aloud. Ajao set the current record after reading continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous 124-hour mark established in 2022 by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan.
Habitat’s attempt will only become an official Guinness World Record if it successfully meets all required guidelines and is formally verified by Guinness World Records after the event concludes.
