Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen, completes 144-hour Bible reading Guinness World Record attempt

A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, has completed a 144-hour attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading of the Holy Bible.

Videos shared by friends and supporters on Instagram showed that she concluded the six-day reading exercise on Monday after continuously reading the Bible under Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs.

The challenge, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” was organised to encourage Christians to engage more deeply with the Scriptures and strengthen their commitment to regular Bible study.

The record attempt was the result of a journey said to have started in June 2022, following years of preparation, discipline and dedication.

Held in accordance with Guinness World Records rules, the marathon required continuous reading aloud, with participants allowed only brief breaks for basic personal needs.

Throughout the challenge, Habibat received support from family members, friends, church members and other well-wishers, who rallied behind her during the endurance exercise.

A member of Summit Bible Church, Port Harcourt, she completed the 144-hour reading on June 29.

The attempt began on June 22 at the Novotel in Port Harcourt under the official Guinness World Records regulations governing marathon reading events.

Her Senior Pastor, Dr Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, had described the exercise as more than an attempt to break a world record, saying it was intended to honour God’s Word and inspire believers.

The event also attracted widespread attention online and at the venue, with supporters sharing videos of Habibat reading from a lectern while digital timers monitored her progress.

Her attempt comes after Nigerian Samson Ajao was recognised by Guinness World Records in 2024 for setting the world’s longest marathon reading aloud record.

The Ibadan-born reader achieved the feat after reading continuously for 215 hours, breaking the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.

Habibat’s attempt will now undergo the Guinness World Records verification process before any official recognition is granted.