Sept. 18, 2023

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Monday congratulated a teacher and indigene of the state, Mr. John Obot, who read for 145 hours.

When certified by the World Guinness Records, Obot would have beaten a previously read aloud record of 124 hours set in September 2022 by a Kyrgyzstan, Rysbai Isakov, in Bursa, Turkey.

Obot read from a variety of books, mostly Nigerian literature, in a bid to set a new world record for the marathon read aloud contest.

He hit the 145-hour target on Sunday while reading ‘Echoes of the Traditional Society” authored by a journalist, Mr. James Akpandem.

Eno lauded Obot’s feat in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.

“This is what we all can do in our various fields with discipline, determination, focus and the right mindset.

“This is what the Akwa Ibom spirit represents: resilience, grit, determination and passion to excel.

“Your success has ignited our reading culture, and I look forward to celebrating you and other heroes and heroines during our forthcoming 36th state anniversary,” Eno said.

Obot started reading on Sept. 9 at the City View Hall, Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, but encountered technical glitches in the process.

Obot began all over on Sept. 12 after approval from World Guinness Record, and eventually read for 145 hours.

The reading marathon was supported by the Uyo Book Club founded by Dr. Udene Nana, and the Chief Programme Director of the reading exercise. (NAN)