Samson Ajao, a former student of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has broken the record for the longest marathon reading aloud with an incredible feat of endurance and love for literature. Following a strenuous ten-day read-a-thon that lasted 215 hours, Ajao’s extraordinary endeavor was crowned with a joyous celebration in the streets of Osogbo, Osun State.
In Osogbo, Ajao began his reading adventure on Monday, May 6, with the intention of breaking Rybai Isakov’s previous record, which stood at 124 hours. The community responded favorably to Ajao’s attempt, and he received visits from a number of officials, including Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the governor of Osun State, and Mr. Adewale Egbedun, the Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly; and Mr. Dipo Eluwole, the Commissioner for Education.
Around midday on Wednesday, Ajao reached the 215-hour milestone; this was not just a personal but also a group accomplishment. A convoy full of fans paraded down Osogbo’s main thoroughfares, transforming the occasion into a lavish public festival. This historic event aimed to rekindle the community’s passion for reading in addition to breaking a new world record.
Ajao showed the great depth and diversity of literature by reading almost 100 volumes during the marathon, spanning a wide range of topics and genres. After finishing the marathon, Ajao talked to PUNCH Online about his satisfaction and the wider impact of his effort. “I feel satisfied because my goal was to encourage people to visit libraries again and bring back
Ajao observed that a large number of kids were attending the reading event, bringing books and participating in a literary celebration, indicating that his efforts have struck a chord with the younger generation. In addition to being a record-breaking accomplishment, his success is considered as a spark for cultural enrichment that will encourage everyone in the community—especially the younger generation—to embrace reading and the educational opportunities it offers.
The Guinness World Records management has received Ajao’s marathon reading records for formal validation. As the verification process progresses, Ajao’s story—which emphasizes the value of perseverance, the pleasure of reading, and the influence one person can have on advancing literacy and education in their community—continues to enthrall and inspire people worldwide.
