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Nigerian Art Student Smashes GWR Painting Marathon
In a bid to set a remarkable achievement, Nigerian art student, Chancellor Ahaghotu has broken a decade-old record for the longest painting marathon, showcasing extraordinary dedication by painting continuously for 100 consecutive hours.
Announced on Wednesday by the Guinness World Records across its social media platforms and website, Ahaghotu’s remarkable feat garnered attention.
The sophomore from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, significantly surpassed Roland Palmaerts’ 2013 record of 60 hours, displaying exceptional dedication and skill in this artistic endeavor.
Ahaghotu expressed his aspirations to Guinness World Records before commencing his record attempt, stating, “Icame to the United States to pursue my dreams and build up my career as a recognized artist. Breaking the record will boost my recognition as an artist both in my school and the world at large.”
During this record attempt, the rules allowed the participant to either focus on one substantial painting or create several, all required to depict recognizable images—abstract painting was not permitted.
Throughout four consecutive days, as stated by GWR, Ahaghotu dedicated himself tirelessly, completing an impressive 106 pieces encompassing various subjects such as celebrities, food items, plants, animals, and more.
At the 60th hour, marking his surpassing of the previous record, Ahaghotu portrayed a broken record player in his artwork.
Ahaghotu said “One thing I love about the paintings I created is that they were representing my different moods and how I was feeling when I created them.”
In line with the guidelines for all ‘longest marathon’ records, the challenger was granted a five-minute rest break for every hour of continuous activity—a provision allowing the accumulation of these breaks if not taken.
These brief respites constituted Ahaghotu’s only opportunities to attend to personal needs such as using the bathroom, eating, or sleeping throughout the duration of the challenge.
Around the 88-hour mark, Ahaghotu grappled with fatigue, yet his determination to achieve the 100-hour milestone kept him from considering an early end to the record attempt.
Initially intending to create one painting per hour, he diligently prepared 100 canvases with sketches in anticipation of the challenge.
Unexpectedly, he finished them all before the allotted time, prompting him to improvise a series of impromptu still lifes.
Finally, with some hours remaining, he concluded his marathon painting session with a portrayal of an exhausted individual.
He said “There was joy and celebration when I completed the 100 hours. It was a new experience for me and I’m so glad I completed the 100 hours.”
He further added “This [record] helps me feel a very high level of personal achievement, build up my career as a reputable artist, and pay a service to my school and country.”
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and First Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) joint venture (JV) has donated the sum of N53 million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria.
Under the JV’s Impact First Initiative, the donation, targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas such as good healthcare and well-being, quality education as well as economic growth within the nation.
Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, expressed gratitude to First E & P for initiating the laudable programme.
Represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, Wunti highlighted NNPC Ltd’s belief in the power of CSR, stressing that the Company remains committed to working with its partners to impact the lives of the less-privileged.
Wunti said under the initiative, projects and programmes executed include the provision of classrooms, ICT Centres, laboratories and other infrastructural intervention projects, scholarships, quiz competitions, skill acquisitions, and economic empowerment, a testimony to NNPC’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.
Wunti described First E & P’s foresight and leadership as commendable, adding that the partner has spearheaded the initiative towards meaningful change that will ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
Among the beneficiaries of the donation were the Irede Foundation, which provides custom-made artificial limbs to child amputees aged 0-18 and Human Development Initiative (HDI), which focuses on tackling fundamental issues of poverty, injustice, neglect, deprivation, and equality among vulnerable people.
Others were the OISA Foundation, which transforms lives through interventions in the education and healthcare sectors; Cerebral Palsy Center, which renders support to families with children with cerebral palsy as well as the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, which organises awareness talks and screens communities for colon cancer.
In a heartwarming gesture, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, has announced plans to arrange marriages for 100 female orphans who lost their parents to banditry in Mariga Local Government Area.
Sarkindaji stated that he will cover the grooms’ dowries and has already obtained all necessary items for the collective wedding event.
The selected girls were chosen from a group of 170, as part of the Speaker’s constituency empowerment project to support the underprivileged.
Sarkindaji further revealed that the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, and the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barau, will serve as guardians for the 100 female orphans during their collective marriage ceremony.
The event, scheduled for May 24 in Bangi, Mariga Local Government Area, will also be attended by Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, the Kano State Commander General of the Hisbah Board.
Alfred “Al” Blaschke, aged 106 years and 327 days, has once again soared to new heights, reclaiming his Guinness World Records (GWR) title as the oldest person to tandem skydive.
With fearless determination, Blaschke took the plunge, defying gravity and reasserting his place in history.
However, his achievement was eclipsed when a Swedish woman, Rut Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson, aged 103 years and 259 days, took to the skies for a skydiving adventure, momentarily breaking his record.
“That was my dream […] I never thought I’d be around this long,” Al said at the time.
Blaschke’s first skydive occurred three years earlier, on his 100th birthday.
In his latest feat, at the age of 106 years and 327 days old, Blaschke reclaimed his title with another daring skydiving adventure.
Notably, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joined him on this occasion, experiencing his inaugural jump alongside the seasoned daredevil.
Blaschke told GWR, “If you think you can’t, you’re just underestimating yourself. Everyone is more capable than they think. They just need to make the decision to try.”
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