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

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

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According to videos from friends and supporters on Instagram, the feat was completed on Monday after six days of continuous Bible reading under Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs.

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Tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” the attempt was a faith-driven initiative aimed at encouraging deeper engagement with Scripture and inspiring believers to develop a stronger commitment to Bible study.

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The journey to the record attempt reportedly began in June 2022 after years of preparation marked by consistency, endurance and devotion.

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The marathon reading was conducted in line with Guinness World Records regulations, which allow only short breaks for participants to attend to basic needs.

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Habibat received support from family members, friends, church members and other well-wishers throughout the challenge, turning the event into both an endurance feat and a public expression of faith and commitment to the Bible.

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

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The record attempt began on June 22 at the Novotel in Port Harcourt under official Guinness World Records regulations, which require participants to read continuously aloud while observing only limited breaks.

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Her Senior Pastor, Dr Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, had described the attempt as more than a pursuit of a world record, saying it was a spiritual project designed to exalt God’s Word and inspire believers.

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The challenge attracted widespread support both physically and online, with videos showing Habibat reading from a lectern while digital timers tracked her progress.

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Her attempt follows the recognition of Nigerian Samson Ajao by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the world’s longest marathon reading aloud.

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The Ibadan-born reader set a new record after reading continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous mark of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.

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Habibat’s performance will now await official verification by Guinness World Records before it can be recognised.

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