Osariemen Patience, a native of Edo State, is gearing up to tackle a 200-hour “longest read-aloud marathon by an individual” to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records.
The Guinness World Records, also known as The Guinness Book of Records and The Guinness Book of World Records in earlier US editions, is an annual reference book published in the United Kingdom. It lists world records for both human accomplishments and the extremes of the natural world. Norris and Ross McWhirter, twin brothers, and Sir Hugh Beaver collaborated to start the book on Fleet Street, London, in August 1955.
Patience will take on the challenge at the Edo State Library, Edo State Secretariat Complex, along Sapele Road, Benin City from February 23 to March 3rd, 2024. Her goal is to use this platform to inspire individuals to explore the world of literature, especially Benin literature and cultural heritage. Patience also aims to raise awareness about irregular migration, human trafficking, and climate change.
Patience’s 200-hour read-a-thon will include continuous reading sessions and art sessions, covering themes on Benin’s history and cultural heritage, migration, human trafficking, and climate change.
Genius Hub, the organisation responsible for the event, is committed to nurturing and overseeing talent growth, in accordance with Osariemen’s aspiration to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as quality education, gender equality, economic growth, among others.
The Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki has donated ten million Naira towards the success of the read-a-thon. Patience’s vision has also received support from Edo state aristocrats including Betsy Obaseki, First Lady of Edo state, Joan Osa-Oviawe, commissioner for Education, Uyi Jennifer Oduwa-Malaka, commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Greg Ogbeifun, the MD/CEO of Starz Marine and Engineering Limited, and Chairman Starz Investments Company Limited.
Furthermore, the Edo State Ministry of Education through its EdoBest programme has launched the Book and Art Festival, with the maiden theme “Every Child a Reading Champion,” to stimulate a reading habit among students and Edo citizens.
Speaking about her approval by GWR for the attempt, Patience expressed her excitement and determination, stating, “I am honoured and grateful to have received the approval from Guinness World Records. This is an incredible opportunity to promote the importance of reading and highlight the cultural richness of Edo State. I hope my efforts inspire others to embrace the power of books and storytelling.”
According to a post on her Instagram handle @Angelriemen, “the event will be opened to the public, emphasising community engagement.” Patience described the read-a-thon as “a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and inspiration. It is a retelling of the Edo story and the propagation of the dignity and rich cultural heritage of the Edo people to a global audience.”
Several other Nigerians made attempts to set new GWR in 2023, including Philip Solomon, Chinonso Eche, Hilda Baci, Damilola Adeparusi, Oluwatobi Kufeji, Tonye Solomon, Lola Mewu, Helen Williams, Subair Enitan, and Amuda Mariam.
