A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, has completed a 144-hour Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt for the longest marathon reading of the Holy Bible, marking the end of a six-day endurance challenge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

The faith-based initiative, tagged "144 Hours in the Word," concluded on Monday, June 29, 2026, after Habibat spent six consecutive days reading the Bible aloud in accordance with Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs.

 

The marathon began on June 22 at the Novotel, Port Harcourt, with supporters, family members, church members, and well-wishers gathering physically and online to cheer her throughout the exercise. Digital timers monitored her progress as she read continuously from the Scriptures.

 

According to organisers, the initiative was conceived not merely as an attempt to set a world record but as a spiritual campaign aimed at encouraging believers to cultivate a deeper commitment to studying God's Word.

 

Habibat, a member of Summit Bible Church, Port Harcourt, reportedly began preparing for the challenge in June 2022, dedicating years to training, consistency, and spiritual discipline before embarking on the record attempt.

 

Speaking on the significance of the exercise, the Senior Pastor of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, Dr. Andy Osakwe, described the project as more than a quest for global recognition, saying it was designed to exalt the Bible and inspire Christians around the world.

 

Her attempt comes two years after Nigerian Samson Ajao was officially recognised by Guinness World Records in 2024 for setting the record for the longest marathon reading aloud, having read continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous record of 124 hours set by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan in 2022.

 

Although Habibat has successfully completed the 144-hour challenge, the achievement will only become an official Guinness World Record after it undergoes the organisation's verification and approval process.

 

If certified, her accomplishment will stand as another remarkable demonstration of endurance, faith, and Nigeria's growing presence in Guinness World Records attempts.