Akure, Nigeria
Christopher Olusa, a Nigerian public speaker, has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest speech marathon by an individual.
Olusa, 24, has currently delivered a speech for over 100 hours to break the record held by a Nepali, Ananta Ram, who spoke for 90 hours and 2 minutes in Kathmandu, Nepal from 27th to 31st of August 2018.
On September 11, the new record-breaker hails from Ajowa Akoko in Ondo State, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) began his attempt to deliver a speech for 120 hours at a hotel in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the state capital.
The speech marathon tagged, “From Words to World Records”, the name of the Akoko born will enter the “Guinness Book of Records” after official confirmation by the Guinness World Records (GWR) which usually takes days after the event has been concluded.
“I stand before you today as a young Nigerian with an unwavering passion for change. As a proud alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, I have consistently strived to make a positive impact on society, as the owner of the #TalkWithTheDuke platform which has been a platform for advocacy, engagement, and innovation.
“My journey has been one marked by dedication to the cause of change and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It is with this same spirit that I bring you today’s announcement regarding the upcoming Speech Marathon, an event that embodies the very essence of transformation and inspiration.
“The genesis of this remarkable endeavour was born from an unwavering commitment to inspire positive change in our society. It is about transcending boundaries, shattering limits, and aspiring towards something extraordinary.
“I am overjoyed to announce that our unwavering dedication has borne fruit, as Guinness World Records has granted us their esteemed approval for what promises to be an unprecedented feat,” Olusa said.
During the marathon, he received support from government officials, FUTA management, youth community and youth-led organisations, and eminent personalities among others who visited the venue of the event.
