Nigerian born Treasure Olawunmi Bayode is attempting to set a new Guinness world record for “The Longest Reading Marathon (Read Aloud).
Bayode hopes to make Nigeria proud by reading for 120 hours at a stretch with only two hours break every 24 hours.
In series of post on his social media handles, Bayode had expressed excitement ahead of the task.
He said “I believe I am going to break this GWR and set a new one therefore even though it is going to be a tough task I see opportunities and overlook the obstacles. Do you believe?”
The book reader also said he is doing this for the youths as a reminder that education is the bedrock of development
Stating his main motive for embarking on the tasking challenge, the young man said he wants to let the whole world know that Nigeria is great and has “LIBRARIES.”
He began reading at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, and still has a little over four days to go.
Bayode who says his biggest aim is to make reading popular again is currently at the You Read Library, Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.
According to tweets and photos on his Twitter page, Policemen were present to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order. Also pictures of students, government officials and observers were also shared.
“I have always loved to read good materials right from when I was in secondary school.,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I am doing this for the culture! For the reading culture. I am doing this for the youths; to remind them that education is the bedrock of development.
“I am doing this for Nigeria – for the world know we’re a great nation – and yes, we do have libraries!”
On Wednesday, he had already read for 48 hours.
“48 HOURS and counting!!! I started from Monday (13:30 GMT + 1), now we’re here! I am still on course to make history. Everything I have done and who I have become prior to this day has uniquely prepared me for this,” he tweeted.
Sponsors of the event include Guaranty Trust Bank, Tagheuer, Lagos state government amongst others.
The current record is 113 hours 15 minutes and it’s been held by a Deepak Sharma Bajagain (Nepal) at the Tudikhel Ground, Kathmandu, Nepal.
48 HOURS AND COUNTING!!!
I started from Monday (13:30 GMT + 1), now we’re here! I am still on course to make history. Everything I have done and who I have become prior to this day has uniquely prepared me for this!
I CAN! I WILL!! I MUST!!!#ReadWithBayode #YouRead #GWR pic.twitter.com/k8BHYjhF11
— iread_bayode (@iread_bayode) February 28, 2018
BAYODE, ARE YOU FOR REAL???
The thought of a person reading aloud for 120 hours non-stop may seem so far-fetched for some people. Such people don’t believe the media hype – they came to see for themselves! By God’s grace they’ll be back here when we make history!#ReadWithBayode pic.twitter.com/20yFxwiWhn
— iread_bayode (@iread_bayode) February 28, 2018
LEADING LADIES!
Students of Our Lady of Apostle, Yaba took time out of their academic schedule to see things for themselves at the YOU READ Library and also encourage me.
I want to sincerely appreciate the management and staff of the school for this kind gesture!#ReadWithBayode pic.twitter.com/jGFuirQZxl— iread_bayode (@iread_bayode) February 28, 2018
WE’RE ALL HERE!
As you can imagine, I am not just reading aloud to myself here at the YOU READ Library; it’s a motley crew!
We’ve representatives of the @GWR, sponsors, government, technical, medical, security teams, family, friends and well-wishers!#ReadWithBayode #YouRead pic.twitter.com/WDmBdqQdHC
— iread_bayode (@iread_bayode) February 28, 2018
LASAMBUS GOT ME COVERED!
For those who are concerned about my health, I am pleased to inform you that there is a dedicated team of medical personnel from Lagos State who provide 24-hour medicare. Also they are on standby in the event of any medical emergency. #ReadWithBayode pic.twitter.com/rqTmMrM4Hi
— iread_bayode (@iread_bayode) February 28, 2018
