A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, is making headlines with an ambitious attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest Holy Bible reading marathon.
The faith-inspired challenge, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” kicked off on June 22 at Novotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and is scheduled to end on July 2 in line with Guinness World Records guidelines.
As of Saturday, Habibat had successfully crossed the 100-hour milestone, moving into the final phase of the endurance feat.
Videos circulating on social media show the determined record seeker reading aloud from the Bible at a lectern and desk while digital countdown timers monitor her progress. Family, friends, and well-wishers have also been seen cheering her on throughout the marathon.
According to the organisers, the record attempt is being conducted under official Guinness World Records rules, which require participants to read continuously aloud, with only short breaks allowed for essential needs.
Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, said the challenge is driven by her desire to encourage people to spend more time studying the Bible.
Her Senior Pastor, Dr. Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, described the marathon as more than just a quest for global recognition, saying it is a spiritual initiative designed to honour God’s Word and inspire believers.
Habibat’s attempt comes months after Nigerian Samson Ajao was officially recognised by Guinness World Records for the longest marathon reading aloud. The 27-year-old, who hails from Ibadan, set the record in 2024 after reading continuously for an impressive 215 hours, breaking the previous record of 124 hours.
With Nigerians increasingly embracing record-breaking endurance challenges, Habibat’s Bible reading marathon is already attracting widespread attention online as many eagerly await the outcome of her historic attempt.