While the world of art is often associated with quiet galleries and steady hands, for Nigerian artist Abidemi Praise Omowarola, it recently became a gruelling 90-hour marathon of endurance.
Speaking on Channels Television, the portrait artist reflected on her newly minted Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest marathon of drawing portraits.
To prepare for the 90-hour stint, she underwent rigorous physical training, visiting the gym at midnight to build the stamina required to remain standing and focused for nearly four days.
During the marathon, she completed 15 intricate portraits. Her subjects spanned a diverse range of global and local figures, including President Bola Tinubu, King Charles III, and Bishop David Oyedepo. She even took requests from her digital audience, sketching football icon Cristiano Ronaldo to keep the momentum going.
Abidemi revealed a poignant backstory. She began drawing at the age of 10 as a form of “art therapy” to cope with the trauma of witnessing domestic violence in her household. “I didn’t know it was called art therapy at the time,” she admitted, describing how she would retreat into a world of scribbles and broken lines to process the violence around her.
After relocating to the United Kingdom and working various jobs that distanced her from her easel, Abidi saw the GWR attempt as her “launch back” into the creative world. Although her mother initially pressured her to pursue a more traditional career in medicine or law, Abidi stayed true to the wish of her late father, who had always encouraged her artistic flair. Today, her mother is her biggest “convert,” often sitting by her side as she works.
Abidi Praise joins a growing list of Nigerians who have recently sought—and secured—official GWR plaques, turning the country into a global hub for record-breaking attempts.
1. Tunde Onakoya (Chess)
In April 2024, chess master and “Chess in Slums” founder Tunde Onakoya captured the world’s attention by playing chess for 60 hours in New York City’s Times Square. His record for the longest chess marathon was not just for glory; it raised over $100,000 for the education of underprivileged children across Africa.
2. Clara Chizoba Kronborg (Interviewing)
In early 2024, Marbella-based Nigerian media personality Clara Chizoba Kronborg broke the record for the longest interviewing marathon. She clocked in at 55 hours and 24 minutes, interviewing a diverse range of guests to promote African stories on a global stage.
3. Pelumi Nubi (Travel)
While not a “marathon” in the stationary sense, Pelumi Nubi achieved a historic feat in early 2024 by completing a solo drive from London to Lagos. Her journey across 17 countries in a small car inspired millions and earned her a hero’s welcome in Nigeria, highlighting the spirit of Nigerian resilience.
4. Hilda Baci (Cooking)
The current “GWR era” in Nigeria was arguably ignited by Hilda Baci in 2023. Her 93-hour “Cook-a-thon” became a national phenomenon, sparking a wave of “marathon” attempts across various disciplines, from reading to singing, as young Nigerians look to leverage the global platform to showcase their tenacity.
