Nigerian university graduate Promise Wosu Junior has attempted to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest walking hours on foot.
The 28-year-old accountant graduate of the University of Port Harcourt is reported to have walked for 120 hours nonstop, covering 606km.
Wosu’s journey, which stretched from Lekki gates in Lagos State to Port Harcourt in Rivers State, began on October 17 and ended on October 21.
The native of Rivers State walked across the states of Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Bayelsa, and Delta.
Many hailed his brave attempt to break the current record held by Italy’s Rosario Catania, who trekked for 70 hours from April 28 to May 1, 2014.
Among them was the Rivers State Government, which has offered him special recognition for the brave attempt.
However, the Guinness World Record (GWR) has yet to recognise Wosu Junior’s attempt. If recognised, he will become the second Nigerian to break a Guinness World Record this year.
In May this year, Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong put the country in the spotlight after cooking nonstop for 100 hours.
On June 13, the GWR made her the current record holder for the highest time an individual has spent cooking.
After the recognition, other Nigerians and Africans attempted to break the same record, but the GWR did not recognise them.
The institution wrote that people attempting to set a new world record must apply so that its experts can supervise the attempt. Otherwise, it will be invalid.
Wosu Junior’s achievement was widely celebrated in Nigeria over the weekend.
Many saw it as a remarkable attempt, considering that he walked day at night under temperatures that reached over 30⁰C.
Speaking to journalists, he said his motivation was to raise awareness on the importance of fitness and healthy living.
He also wanted to show the world that Nigerians are capable of great achievements.
“I am very proud of what I have accomplished,” Wosu Junior said. “I hope that my achievement will inspire other Nigerians to pursue their dreams and never give up.”
He has featured on major news outlets and has received congratulatory messages from many prominent people, including the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara.
The Governor advised youths from Rivers State to shun social vices that create a bad image of the State.
He added that Wosu’s attempt proved that Rivers youths are resourceful.
Mimi Mefo Info
