I hope that this effort will raise our consciousness on the importance of reading and also help change the narrative that making money and being famous can only come from entertainment and sports. Hopefully the younger generation will find in my Guinness World Record attempt the inspiration they need to read and study more
Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, March 05, 2018
YABA, Lagos, Nigeria – In few hours from now, the 40 year old Nigerian, Olubayode Treasures Olawunmi will be confirmed as holder of Guinness World Record in Longest Marathon Read Aloud session.
He read aloud 23 published books from 1:30pm on Monday February 26th, 2018 to 3:30pm on Saturday March 3rd, 2018.
The renowned Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer was the official timekeeper of the marathon reading session. He is already airborne with the record, heading to the headquarters of the Guiness World Record to confirm Olubayode Treasure Olawunmi as record holder of the Longest Marathon Read Aloud session in the world.
The Nigerian history maker read for 122 hours; 6 more books and 9 hours longer than what was accomplished by the current holder.
Since 2008, Deepak Sharma Bajaan, from Nepal, held the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Read Aloud after he read a total of 17 books in 113 hours, 15 minutes.
“YouREAD Initiative”, is a CSR initiative of Guaranty Trust Bank which seeks to reignite the interest in reading across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking on his remarkable feat, Olubayode Treasures Olawunmi who was overwhelmed by emotions was full of thanks for GTBank for sponsoring his Guinness World Record attempt, and most importantly, for all that the Bank has been doing to support education and promote the culture of reading.
” I would also like to thank Nigerians everywhere who sent me messages of support physically and across social media; together, we are making reading famous again. I hope that this effort will raise our consciousness on the importance of reading and also help change the narrative that making money and being famous can only come from entertainment and sports.
“Hopefully the younger generation will find in my Guinness World Record attempt the inspiration they need to read and study more.”
Commenting on Olubayode’s Guiness World Record attempt, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of GTBank, Segun Agbaje said, “ We are proud to have sponsored Olubayode Treasures Olawunmi’s brave attempt to make history through one of the most positive human activities—reading.
‘His stunning feat will not only put Nigeria on the global map as a nation that is passionate about books, it will also serve as a source of inspiration to everyone in the country and beyond to adopt and maintain an active reading culture.”
According to him, “at GTBank, we are passionate about rekindling the interest of young Nigerians in reading and will continue to create and support innovate ways to promote an active reading culture within and outside the academic environment.”
GTBank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run African financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.
The Bank’s footprints in Corporate Social Responsibility are guided strategically by its decision to operate on four major pillars: Education, Community Development, Arts and the Environment, which it believes are essential building blocks for the society and prerequisites for economic growth and societal development.
