Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack has completed a 144-hour Bible reading marathon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and now awaits verification from Guinness World Records. The six-day challenge, titled '144 Hours in the Word,' began on June 22 at the Novotel Hotel in Port Harcourt, where Ihiovi-Jack read the Bible aloud continuously before supporters, family members, and church members.
Marathon Details and Support
Videos shared online captured the moment she finished the marathon on Monday, drawing cheers and applause from those gathered to witness the final minutes of the attempt. The exercise was organized not only as a record attempt but also as a campaign encouraging Christians to read the Bible more consistently and deepen their understanding of scripture. According to her senior pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, the project had been in the works for several years after the idea first emerged in 2022. He described it as a faith-driven mission that went beyond the pursuit of a world record.
Rules and Verification Process
Throughout the challenge, Ihiovi-Jack read from a lectern while digital countdown clocks tracked her progress. Under Guinness World Records rules, participants are allowed only short breaks at set intervals, with the rest of the time spent continuously completing the task. Her attempt now moves into the verification stage. Guinness World Records will review video recordings, witness statements, time logs, and other evidence before deciding whether the feat meets its official requirements. The organization has not announced when a decision will be made.
Growing Trend of Endurance Records in Nigeria
Ihiovi-Jack joins a growing number of Nigerians attempting endurance-based Guinness World Records in recent years. In 2024, Samson Ajao became the official holder of the record for the longest marathon reading aloud after reading continuously for 215 hours in Osun State, breaking the previous record of 124 hours. Another team of five Nigerians also attempted to set a new reading marathon record in Lagos in 2025 by reading aloud for more than 431 hours as part of a literacy campaign. That attempt is still awaiting official confirmation.
The growing interest in Guinness World Records has seen Nigerians take on a wide range of endurance challenges, from cooking and reading marathons to creative and sporting feats, many of which have attracted attention both at home and abroad. For Ihiovi-Jack, the next step is to wait for Guinness World Records to complete its review and determine whether her 144-hour Bible reading marathon will earn official recognition.
