Port Harcourt-based Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack has captured global attention after completing an exhausting 144-hour marathon reading of the Holy Bible in an official bid for the Guinness World Records.
Documenting the final moments of her historic run, celebratory videos circulating across Instagram and social media platforms confirmed that she officially crossed the finish line on Monday.
Branded “144 Hours in the Word,” the faith-based initiative sought to encourage deeper engagement with the Scriptures and inspire believers to strengthen their commitment to consistent Bible study.
The record-breaking marathon began in June 2022, after years of rigorous preparation fuelled by perseverance, fierce dedication, and unwavering consistency. To maintain institutional validity throughout the schedule, Ihiovi-Jack strictly adhered to standard Guinness World Records criteria, which permitted only brief, timed breaks to attend to basic physiological needs.
Fueling her through the physical exhaustion, an enthusiastic crowd of friends, family, fellow churchgoers, and well-wishers rallied behind her—transforming the brutal endurance test into a profound public demonstration of her faith and devotion to the scriptures.
However against all odds, Habibat Salawudeen, a member of the Summit Bible Church, Port Harcourt completed the 144-hour reading on June 29.
Read Also: Excitement as Hilda Baci becomes 3-time Guinness World Record holder
Details On The Attempt
Official Guinness World Records documentation confirms that the attempt officially commenced on June 22 at the Novotel hotel in Port Harcourt.
To secure a spot in the record books, the rules mandatorily require participants to read aloud continuously, permitting only a handful of tightly monitored pauses throughout the entire marathon.
The challenge attracted widespread support both physically and online, with videos showing Habibat reading from a lectern while digital timers tracked her progress.
Meanwhile, her attempt follows the recognition of Nigerian Samson Ajao by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the world’s longest marathon reading aloud.
Backstory…
Habibat Salawudeen’s attempt however is not the first of its kind. Nigeria has witnessed a growing wave of Guinness World Record attempts in recent years, with many young people using endurance challenges to showcase talent, promote national pride, and inspire others.
The trend gained widespread attention after chef Hilda Baci’s record-breaking cook-a-thon in 2023, encouraging Nigerians to pursue ambitious feats across various fields, including dance, chess, painting, and reading. Bible reading marathons have also emerged as a unique expression of faith and perseverance, drawing support from religious communities.
Also Read: Tunde Onakoya Breaks Chess Marathon World Record.
