The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on government, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to support an alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Christopher Olusa, in his quest to break the Guinness World Record for the longest hours of speech.
Chairman of the council, Prince Leke Adegbite, made this call at the Alagbaka council secretariat in Akure when Olusa visited the pen-pushers to make his ambition known.
Adegbite who commended the boldness of Christopher Olusa to set a new World record in Speech marathon, promised that the media and journalists in Ondo state would support him to achieve the set goal for Nigeria.
Olusa is set to break Guinness World Record for the longest speech marathon by reading for 120 hours following the approval of the record keepers.
A Nepali, Ananta Ram, is the current holder of the record after achieving the longest speech marathon of 90 hours and 2 minutes in Kathmandu, Nepal from 27th to 31st August, 2018.
While addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, Olusa said “the genesis of this remarkable endeavor was born from an unwavering commitment to inspire positive change in the society”.
The FUTA Postgraduate student said he had sought and got the approval from GWR and the event will be held between 11th and 15th September, 2023 in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The 24yr-old FUTA Alumnus, who stated that Dejavu Hotel, Akure has been chosen as the venue for the event, explained that the upcoming Speech Marathon embodies the very essence of transformation and inspiration.
“I am Christopher Olusa, and I stand before you today as a young Nigerian with an unwavering passion for change. As a proud alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, I have consistently strived to make a positive impact on society, as the owner of the #TalkWithTheDuke platform that has been a platform for advocacy, engagement and innovation.
“My journey has been one marked by dedication to the cause of change and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It is with this same spirit that I bring
you today’s announcement regarding the upcoming Speech Marathon, an event that embodies the very essence of transformation and inspiration.
“The genesis of this remarkable endeavor was born from an unwavering commitment to inspire positive change in our society. It is about transcending boundaries, shattering limits, and aspiring towards something extraordinary.
“I am overjoyed to announce that our unwavering dedication has borne fruit, as Guinness World Records has granted us their esteemed approval for what promises to be an unprecedented feat.
“Our Speech Marathon is not just another event, it is a testament to human determination and the unyielding power of words. Over the course of five days, we will embark on a journey of enlightenment, as I read speeches from inspirational figures spanning the annals of history.
“From past and present world leaders to influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on our world, I will draw wisdom and inspiration from their words.
“It is about transcending boundaries, shattering limits, and aspiring towards something extraordinary”.
He stressed that his journey has been one marked by dedication to the cause of change and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
“I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our partners and sponsors who have already lent their invaluable support to this noble cause. Your faith in our mission has been instrumental in bringing us to this point, and I humbly request your continued support as we set out to make history.
“My personal commitment to this endeavour extends beyond words. I am in the peak of physical fitness and mental readiness to undertake this monumental challenge”, Olusa said.
He said “all funds raised during the marathon will be dedicated to the noble cause of training children with Aphasia, a brain disorder that affects speech and comprehension”.
“This initiative will be conducted under the banner of the #TalkWithTheDuke Foundation, reflecting our commitment to making a meaningful impact on those in need.
“Our theme, “Voices of Change: Inspiring Solutions for a better World,” resonates deeply with the essence of this marathon. It encapsulates our collective aspiration to inspire transformation, ignite hope, and foster positive change”, he added.
