A young Nigerian journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, has broken the world record for the Longest Interview Marathon, after hosting conversations for 74 hours and 10 seconds with 129 guests, surpassing the previous record of 55 hours 24 seconds.
The marathon, which took place at Tangier Hotel, Utako, Abuja, began at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, with Comrade Sharon Emephia, Assistant Secretary of the NUJ FCT Council, as the first guest, and ended at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with Etim Ekpo Enyogu as the closing participant.
In a statement by the Team Lead, Media & Planning, Princess Joy Idam said, Victor, who initially set a personal target of 72 hours 30 seconds, exceeded expectations by crossing into 74 hours, a feat he described as a “journey of resilience and sacrifice.”
Prominent figures featured in the marathon include the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azurra; three former NAWOJ Presidents — Chief Moji Makanjuola (MFR), Rtn Evelyn Onyilo, and Chief Ladi Bala; former First Lady of Imo State, Nneoma R. Okorocha; Chairman of NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike; Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang; JCIN Ambassador Sharon Akuboh; Nollywood personalities, entrepreneurs, and media executives.
Chairman of NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike, praised Victor’s effort as symbolic for press freedom.
“This is not just about breaking a record, it’s about being an ambassador for press freedom. I am proud to have Victor as a member of our Council,” she said.
Victor, in his closing remarks, dedicated the achievement to his interviewees and his support team.
“I dedicate this to everyone who yielded the call and stood by me. They are the true heroes. When Guinness World Records eventually declares me winner, it will be for all of us,” he said.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nollywood stars, and several others have commended the historic attempt, which is now awaiting official confirmation from the Guinness World Records (GWR).