Nigeria Sets a New Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud by a Team
- Kingsley Sintim
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
In a historic feat that celebrates literacy, teamwork, and the power of storytelling, Nigeria has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by a team. Setting a new world record of 431 hours 31 mins and 25mins.
The previous record which stood at 365hours and was held by the Dominican Republic for 14 years, has now been surpassed by the Naija ReadFest team, led by Kingsley Sintim, an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and a passionate literacy advocate.
The reading marathon, lasting an impressive 18 days and totalling 431 hours, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds, was a testament to dedication and unity. Five readers, each representing different geopolitical zones within Nigeria, came together with a shared mission: to spark a renewed passion for reading throughout Nigeria and the wider African continent. Throughout the event, these committed individuals read aloud from the works of 80 distinguished Nigerian authors. This diverse selection not only highlighted the richness of Nigeria’s literary landscape but also celebrated voices from across the nation, underscoring the inclusive and unifying spirit of the marathon.
Beyond The Record
The Naija ReadFest was more than an attempt to set a record; it was a movement to reposition reading as a national culture and to inspire the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators. The team, comprised of extraordinary young people - teachers, students, writers, and volunteers. Together, they demonstrated resilience, focus, and collaboration throughout the demanding schedule of the challenge.
Reflections on the Record-Breaking Achievement
Reflecting on the monumental accomplishment, Kingsley highlighted the broader significance of the achievement, dedicating it to the youth of Nigeria: “This record belongs to every Nigerian who has ever picked up a book with curiosity and hope. It stands as proof that reading is not merely a pastime; it is a powerful, collective force for transformation. He stated, “Our journey demonstrates that when we come together around a shared love for reading, we can inspire, uplift, and open doors to brighter futures for all.”
The Commonwealth Spirit in Action
As a Commonwealth Fellow, Kingsley’s leadership reflects the Society’s values of collaboration, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment. The project embodied the spirit of partnership and shared purpose that defines the Commonwealth community bringing people together through knowledge and creativity. The reading marathon was organized under the Nigeria Reads Initiative, in collaboration with a network of literacy advocates, educators, and organizations.
A Catalyst for Future Projects
The success of the Naija ReadFest has set the stage for even greater literacy-centered projects. The team envisions expanding its impact through reading clubs, community libraries, storytelling festivals, and digital literacy programs across Nigeria. “This milestone is just the beginning,” Sintim affirmed. “We hope to collaborate with Commonwealth partners to promote inclusive literacy initiatives that reach children in underserved communities.” The record-breaking achievement stands as a proud moment for Nigeria and the Commonwealth at large showcasing what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kingsly Sintim is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society who, apart from his own literacy campaign, has supported he RCS on the development of Write Around the World Workshops and volunteered as a judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
Nigeria Reads is a registered non-profit organisation with over 12 years of transformational impact across Nigeria, dedicated to promoting literacy, access to books, and love for reading in both rural and urban communities through innovative campaigns, book drives, and youth engagement programs.