Meet The Nigerian Woman Attempting A 144-Hour Bible Reading Guinness World Record

Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack

A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon Bible reading by undertaking a 144-hour non-stop reading challenge.

The record attempt, tagged ”144 Hours in the Word,” began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, and is scheduled to conclude on July 2, subject to Guinness World Records guidelines.

As of Sunday morning, Habibat had surpassed the 100-hour mark, moving into the final phase of the challenge.

Videos circulating online showed her reading continuously from a lectern and a desk while digital timers tracked her progress. The challenge has attracted support from family members, friends and church members, while also drawing attention on social media as part of the growing wave of endurance record attempts by Nigerians.

According to the organisers, the attempt is being conducted under Guinness World Records regulations, which require continuous reading aloud, with only limited breaks permitted for essential needs.

Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, said the marathon is a faith-driven initiative aimed at encouraging people to engage more deeply with the Bible.

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