DATELINE: 2.41 pm, Monday, September 18… John Obot set a new Read-a-thon record when he hit his self-targeted 145-hour read-a-loud contest, thus walking gloriously into the Guinness World Record.
The exercise involved reading out aloud for 145 hours in six days and an hour with a break of 20 minutes at intervals. He eventually read for a total of eight days, because he had to abort the first 53 hours after he discovered a technical error in his procedures.
By his feat, Obot, the Uyo-Akwa Ibom-based writer and literary activist, has dethroned Ryabai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan’s record of 124 hours (in five days).
President of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria, NBRP, Richard Mammah, who had been a consistent cheer-leader of Obot, announced the accomplishment of the Obot, a member of the Uyo Book Club, UBC, on his Facebook page on Monday, just as the record was set.
He awaits formal affirmation of his accomplishment and official enthronement by the GWR management.
A graduate of Educational Management from the University of Uyo, Obot started his venture on September 9 and drew it to a close on Monday, September 18, at the Waterbridge Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, attracting throngs of supporters and wonderous members of the public to the site of his accomplishment.
In a post, John Obot himself wrote:
It is not easy.
It has never been easy.
It will not be easy.
The road to greatness is rough, but nothing beats a determined mind.
JOHN is determined and the end result can only be greatness. Crossing 37 Hours isn’t an easy feat.
Nature came calling, system tried failing, sleep fought hard yet John has fought fiercely to beat the record.
This is indeed the spirit of a determined person.
IT IS POSSIBLE!
Dr Udeme Nnanna, founder, Uyo Book Club (2nd left) and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Dr Ekong Sampson, and other guests at Obot’s Read-a-thon attempt
Tons of encouragers thronged the site of the reading to motivate him. Obot is a member of the Uyo Book Club, which generously supported his venture with the support of the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters of Nigeria, NBRP, and other agencies and individuals.
in a statement of solidarity, the committee for Relevant Art, CORA, organisers of the 25-year-old annual Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, congratulated Obot for his determination to “bring honour to Nigeria and by extension Africa, with his current attempt to break the Guinness World Record, GWR as the longest (145hrs) individual Read-a-thon.”
The statement signed by Samuel Osaze, CORA’s Programme Officer, reads:
CORA identifies with John Obot in the quest to set new world reading record
The Board and members of the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA salute the efforts of MR. JOHN OBOT of the Uyo Book Club to bring honour to Nigeria and by extension Africa, with his current attempt to break the Guinness World Record, GWR as the longest (145hrs) individual Read-a-thon.
As an organisation heavily invested in deepening LITERACY through the instrumentality of the written/oral texts and the arts in general, the CORA values the daring attempt by Mr. Obot.
And as campaigners for the development of HUMAN CAPITAL resources of our nation and the continent through our core foundational objectives of deepening EDUCATION, ENLIGHTENMENT and EMPOWERMENT of the populace, we are confident that Mr Obot’s accomplishment will become a source of inspiration and motivation for the teeming young Nigerians, most of whom, due to the poor educational and social infrastructural situation of the country and continent, could easily be lured into unsavoury activities prevalent in the world today.
CORA wishes to congratulate the various agencies that have been supporting Mr Obot’s venture since he started on September 9. In particular, we salute the leadership and members of the Uyo Book Club to which Mr Obot is a bonafide member, and the Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters, NBRP, an initiative that CORA is closely related to, and regularly collaborates with on projects.
We also thank the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, who we have been told have been supporting Mr Obot in his quest. It is the most responsible action that a government can take to support a worthy venture in the educational sector.
In specific, we salute Mr Obot’s parents and nuclear family and relatives without whose unalloyed supports he could not have ventured out in his current engagement.
NB: CORA would gladly welcome Mr John Obot to the 25th Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, November 13-19 at the Freedom Park, Lagos and virtually to help in mentoring the teeming members of our CORA Youth Creative Club and GREEN FESTVAL, and as well to further celebrate his accomplishments as an AMBASSADOR of LITERACY campaign and spread of MENTAL CAPACITATION.
CORA recalls that earlier in 2018, yet another Nigerian, Bayode Treasures Olawunmi, had entered the GWR Read-a-thon Hall of Fame when he also attempted and won the trophy. He was celebrated in the year’s edition of our prime project, the LABAF.
FOR the record, this is not the first time that a Nigerian will be attempting the Marathon reading diadem. Then 40-year-old resident of Ikorodu in Lagos, Bayode Treasures Olawunmi, also a member of the NBRP, had in 2018, recorded 120 hours reading 17 books from 13 authors from Monday, February 26 to March 3. He broke the extant record then held by an Indian, Deepak Sharma Bajaan, who read for 113 hours and 15 minutes. For his feat, he got generous support from members of the public who thronged the venue daily to encourage him and received commendations from some statesmen, notably from former vice President Atiku Abubakar and then Governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
******
The man John Obot
IT was Saturday, November 12, 1988, in Enugu state, Nigeria, when a broadcast journalist, Mr. John Obot, and his wife, Bernadette, a teacher, welcomed their third child, who would later be named after his father, John. Then began the foundation for his extraordinary life journey.
Early on, John embarked on his educational odyssey at the Army Children Nursery School in Akwunanwu, Enugu. His formative years at the Presbyterian Primary School on Enwe Street in Uyo were marked by the indelible influence of his father, a broadcast journalist. This influence led to John’s active participation in radio quizzes and debates, igniting his passion for knowledge. His father’s unwavering demand for early reading instilled in John and his siblings an insatiable appetite for exploration through books.
Transitioning to secondary education, John’s path led him to the Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Abak LGA, his father’s alma mater. Here, his creative flair blossomed. He became a school dramatist, captivating audiences with his performances, and an integral member of the press club. His responsibility included curating and transcribing news reports for publication on the school’s pressboard. In debates, John was a standout, leading his class to victory over seniors in a memorable contest.
His journey continued at the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), Uyo, where he played a pivotal role in forming the school’s Press and Literary Club. As its first president, he oversaw the production of dramas and news reports, even constructing and donating a press board at the entrance of the school chapel.
An extraordinary moment in his youth occurred when, in Senior Secondary 1, he interviewed Senator Effiong Bob, who was visiting the school. Impressed by John’s talent and in memory of his late father, a friend of the senator, Sen. Effiong Bob generously offered to pay for John’s school fees until his graduation.
After completing secondary school, John faced a unique challenge when the courses he intended to study at the University of Uyo were delisted due to accreditation issues. In response, he made a wise decision to enroll at the International Management and Finance Institute in 2004 for a one-year Diploma in Computer Engineering and Maintenance.
Between 2004 and 2010, John thrived as a systems administrator at various computer and data processing centers, gaining valuable technical skills. However, his heart remained close to humanitarian pursuits. He joined the Heart of Love Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing medical aid to the less fortunate. Serving as secretary and rapporteur, John traveled extensively across Nigerian states, a transformative experience that deepened his understanding of life and society.
In 2010, he resumed his formal education having gained admission into the Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management & Planning, University of Uyo. His commitment led him to become the Secretary-General of the Curriculum Studies Students Association (CUSSA), where he played a pivotal role in drafting the association’s first constitution.
Throughout his academic journey, John took on various roles, from being a media advisor to managing One Campus Gist Magazine, Nigeria’s Premier Campus News Magazine. He also contributed as a volunteer programs production assistant at Radio Nigeria Atlantic FM, Uyo.
In a twist of fate, John temporarily veered from mainstream academics to delve into digital and media skills such as web design, photography, graphics design, and multimedia production. His versatility and adaptability became his hallmarks.
Returning to academics in 2017, John assumed the formidable role of teaching his colleagues Greek Grammar and Syntax as a tutor, a testament to his intellectual prowess and dedication. He further expanded his impact by serving as a Media Advisor to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, where he played a crucial role in establishing and managing EDUWATCH, an online education news platform for Nigerian students and educators.
In the course of his studies, John served as a student teacher in various schools, imparting knowledge to the next generation. He even temporarily paused his teaching duties to prepare for the Guinness World Record Official Attempt for Longest Marathon Reading Aloud, a testament to his enduring passion for literature and education.
A vocal advocate for good governance, John’s journey extended beyond the classroom to the airwaves. He evolved from being a consistent caller on news and current affairs programs on radio in Akwa Ibom State to joining the crew of XL Citizen Centa, the foremost news and current affairs program in the region. Here, he served as a Production Research Assistant and occasionally co-hosted the programme.
John’s multifaceted character is also marked by his deep Christian faith, combined with a passion for freethinking and open-minded analysis of religious traditions.
Today, John Obot resides in Uyo with his family. He is on a mission to set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to education and the power of words. His life story is a testament to the remarkable journey of a man who embraced diverse opportunities, displayed unwavering dedication to learning, and used his talents to impact his community and beyond.
He is a trained teacher and member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. It has been a remarkable journey of resilience and passion. Rising in an attempt to break Guinness World Record on the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual, John is setting out to lead a book culture campaign and with due support, impossible is nothing.
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