UNICAL Student Eyes Guinness World Record In Reading
Edith CHUKU
A faculty of Arts and Social Science Education student of the University of Calabar, Ori Benedict Agbor, has expressed his readiness to break the Guinness World Record GWR, for the longest read-aloud.
Agbor shared this in an interview session with the President of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, University of Calabar Council, Sandra Michael, as made available to TNN.
He announced that following the said official approval of his request by the GWR, he will commence the longest read-aloud exercise on Monday(today) and that it was expected to last for six days.
The UNICAL undergraduate explained that his attempt to break the GWR was inspired by his aspiration. According to him, “I am pleased to share this inspired dream with you all and how it sprang forth. This idea wasn’t bargained, thought, or booked for; it was an inspired dream that came into the limelight because of my aspiration.
“When I was nine years old, I always wished and prayed for the world to hear me spreading the gospel of God. The inspiration came when a renowned chef brought a record to Nigeria, and a fellow student successfully attempted the longest writing record. On November 28, 2023, I woke up with a strong urge to share the word of God, and that day, the inspiration reached its peak.”
On the books he intends to read, Agbor said “I intend to read the Bible. Reading the Bible from the holy books of Genesis to Revelation is the main aim of this attempt.
“I have subjected myself to a series of physical and mental tests; engaging in daily exercises to ensure I am 100 per cent fit for this task. I anchor this task on a Bible verse: “It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.
“There’s a rest duration of 20 minutes per hour. My plan is to read for six hours, rest for 1 hour in the afternoon, then read again for another six hours.
“I have an amazing team already and my manager is a blessing; providing advice, love, and support. She is my greatest push. Many people are ready to support me physically, financially, and more. My parents were initially a little scared but are now 100% supportive, trusting that I will make my dreams of spreading the word of God come true.”
He also explained that it was his very first attempt, but expressed the belief that it was going to be a worthwhile experience.
Agbor also said: “I don’t see this as a literary work but as a word of holiness that will pierce the hearts of people, especially the youth. It shall be six whole days of great revival. I will engage the world through social media handles, bringing people of different cultures together to witness and be a bridge to their roots.
