Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack Completes Bible Reading Marathon in GWR Attempt

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Nigerian woman Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack completed a 144-hour Bible reading marathon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading of the Holy Book. 

The six-day endurance challenge concluded on Monday, June 29, 2026, after she spent 144 consecutive hours reading the Bible aloud under Guinness World Records guidelines. 

The record attempt began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, under official Guinness World Records guidelines, which require continuous reading aloud with only limited breaks permitted for essential personal needs. 

It attracted support from family members, church members, and supporters who followed her journey both physically and online.

According to organisers, the initiative was designed not only as an attempt to secure a Guinness World Record but also as a faith-based campaign to encourage deeper engagement with the Bible and promote consistent scripture study among Christians.

Habibat, who is a member of Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, completed the challenge under Guinness World Records regulations, which require participants in marathon reading attempts to read continuously aloud while adhering to strict rules governing rest breaks and documentation. Videos shared online throughout the challenge showed her reading from a lectern while digital timers tracked her progress.

Speaking about the initiative before its completion, Senior Pastor of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, Dr Andy Osakwe, described the attempt as a spiritual project aimed at exalting God’s word rather than simply pursuing a global record.

“It is a project designed to exalt God’s Word and encourage believers to study the scriptures,” Osakwe said.

Habibat’s attempt follows the achievement of Nigerian reader Samson Ajao, who earned Guinness World Records recognition after completing a 215-hour reading marathon in 2024, surpassing the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022. 

Habitat’s attempt now enters the Guinness World Records verification process, during which officials will review video evidence, witness statements, time logs, and other supporting documentation before determining whether the attempt meets all requirements for official recognition

Her feat comes amid a growing wave of Guinness World Record attempts by Nigerians across fields including cooking, fashion, beauty, arts, and endurance challenges. Several Nigerian women have pursued and secured Guinness World Records, drawing global attention to their creativity, endurance, and innovation.

NFM has previously reported on Nigerian women who have made such history. Theresa Emegwara broke the Guinness World Record with a 146-hour makeup marathon. Chef Hilda Baci secured her third GWR for the largest rice serving. 

Reality TV star Tacha completed a GWR attempt for the longest makeup marathon. Liz Sanya set a Guinness World Record with the world’s largest sandal. And Ololade Ayelabola set a Guinness World Record for the longest catwalk.