15 Nigerians who have broken Guinness World Records

17 Sept 2025

Nigeria’s vibrant spirit of resilience and creativity has found expression on the global stage through the Guinness World Records.

From cooking marathons to daring athletic feats, from artistry on a monumental scale to endurance challenges that defy imagination,

Nigerians have consistently pushed human limits to earn their place in history. Since the surge of record-breaking

Hilda Baci – Longest Cooking Marathon(May 2023), Largest Serving of Nigerian-Style Jollof Rice (September 2025)

Hilda Effiong Baci set the world alight in May 2023 when she cooked for 93 hours and 11 minutes in Lagos, breaking the Guinness record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. She alsohas added another historic milestone to her name, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice.
The monumental dish, cooked at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on September 12, 2025, weighed a staggering 8,780 kilograms.

Helen Williams – Longest Handmade Wig (July 2023)

In July 2023, Helen Williams, a professional wig maker from Lagos, entered the Guinness World Records with her extraordinary 351.28-metre handmade wig.
The creation, completed in Abule-Egba, was a statement of skill, patience, and innovation. Her achievement spotlighted Nigeria’s thriving beauty industry and showcased how creativity could translate into a world-class record.

Tonye Solomon – Most Steps Climbed on a Ladder While Balancing a Football (August 2023)

Bayelsa-born footballer Tonye Solomon stunned the world in August 2023 when he climbed 150 steps of a 250-foot radio mast with a ball balanced on his head. The feat required an exceptional mix of skill, balance, and stamina. His record highlighted not just athletic ability but also sheer determination to prove Nigerian talent on a global stage.

Chancellor Ahaghotu – Longest Painting Marathon (October 2023)

Nigerian art student Chancellor Ahaghotu, based in Atlanta, USA, made history in October 2023 when he painted continuously for 100 hours. His feat surpassed a decade-old record and brought fresh recognition to Nigerian artistic talent abroad. Ahaghotu’s marathon showed how persistence and passion could push creative boundaries beyond conventional limits.

Chukwuebuka Ezugha – Most Football Touches with the Abdomen in One Minute (November 2023)

At Ikot-Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, Chukwuebuka Ezugha broke the record for the most football touches with the abdomen in November 2023. He managed 152 touches in just 60 seconds, a performance that required focus, rhythm, and core strength. His achievement reflected the growing reputation of Nigerians excelling in freestyle football skills.

Chidimma Modupe Okafor – Longest Crocheting Marathon (December 2023)

In December 2023, Chidimma Modupe Okafor crocheted non-stop for 72 hours in Lagos, surpassing her earlier personal best. Her dedication doubled her own record and won her a place in the Guinness World Records. The feat was both a test of endurance and a testament to Nigeria’s traditional craft being celebrated on the world stage.

Philip Solomon – Most Skips on One Foot in 30 Seconds (September 2024)

Seventeen-year-old Philip Solomon from Akure, Ondo State, set a Guinness record in September 2024 with 153 skips on one foot within 30 seconds. His outstanding coordination and balance amazed spectators and judges alike. Solomon’s record underscored the agility and athletic potential of Nigerian youth in sports innovation.

Ololade Ayelabola – Longest Distance Walked on a Catwalk (October 2024)

In October 2024, Lagos-based model Ololade Ayelabola walked an astonishing 125.11 kilometres on a runway. The distance covered was equivalent to travelling from Lagos to Ibadan, and it placed her name firmly in the Guinness archives. Her feat showcased stamina and glamour fused in an unusual but record-breaking way.

George “Mighty George” Essien – Longest Radio Talk Show Marathon (April 2025)

In April 2025, Uyo-based broadcaster George Essien, popularly called Mighty George, set a Guinness record by hosting a talk show for 105 consecutive hours. His marathon was filled with diverse conversations, keeping audiences engaged throughout. The record displayed Nigeria’s strength in media endurance and entertainment.

Joshua Olusanya – Longest Trumpet Playing Marathon (May 2025)

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Lagos trumpeter Joshua Olusanya made history in May 2025 when he played continuously for 25 hours and 30 minutes. His performance required both lung strength and musical resilience. The record amplified Nigeria’s musical talent while pushing the boundaries of endurance in live performance.

Tunde Onakoya – Longest Chess Marathon (April 2025)

Chess master Tunde Onakoya played non-stop for 64 hours in New York in April 2025. His feat was tied to his Chess in Slums Africa initiative, aimed at giving underprivileged children opportunities through the game. Beyond breaking a Guinness record, Onakoya used his platform to draw attention to education and empowerment.

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke – Largest Art Canvas (2025)

At just 14 years old, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who lives with autism, painted a canvas measuring 12,381.02 square metres in 2025. The work, titled Impossibility is a Myth, made him the youngest Nigerian in recent years to set such an enormous Guinness record. His achievement was celebrated as both an artistic milestone and a powerful message of inclusion.

Fola David – Largest Drawing (2024)

Dr. Fola David, a medical doctor and visual artist, broke the record for the largest drawing in 2024 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos. His artwork spanned 1,004.7 square metres, dwarfing previous attempts. David’s combination of science and art positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most versatile record holders.

Gbenga Ezekiel – Rope Skipping Records (2022–2023)

Gbenga Ezekiel has broken multiple rope skipping records, including 278 skips in one minute on one leg and 144 double-under skips in one minute on one leg. These records, recognised between 2022 and 2023, placed him among Nigeria’s most prolific Guinness achievers. His feats underscored speed, precision, and rhythm in athletic performance.

Kaffy Shafau – Longest Dance Party (2006)

Long before the new wave of record breakers, Kaffy Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy the dancer, set a Guinness record in 2006. She led her team in a dance marathon lasting 55 hours and 40 minutes, earning global acclaim. Kaffy’s achievement positioned Nigeria in the Guinness spotlight and inspired generations of record aspirants who came after her.