GWR Longest Interview Marathon: 129 Guests, 74 Hours 10 Seconds – Livinus Chibuike Victor Awaits Official Declaration.
By Raymond Enoch
From Sunday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the atmosphere inside Tangier Hotel, Utako, Abuja, was electric as young Nigerian journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor embarked on a historic mission to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Interview Marathon.
In a statement, Princess Joy Omagha Idam, Team Lead, Media & Planning, said that Victor set out to beat the standing record of 55 hours and 24 seconds by targeting 72 hours and 30 seconds—but went even further, completing 74 hours and 10 seconds of non-stop interviews with 129 guests. “When it started, the journey seemed far,” she noted, “but with great discomfort and determination, Victor held on and finished strong.”
To achieve this extraordinary feat, Victor had to forgo sleep, comfort, and rest. Throughout the marathon, he interviewed prominent figures across media, advocacy, entertainment, and public service. Notable participants included Princess Edna Azurra, National President, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS); three former NAWOJ Presidents—Chief Moji Makanjuola, MFR, Rtn Evelyn Onyilo, and Chief Ladi Bala; Nneoma R. Okorocha, former First Lady of Imo State; Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson, NUJ FCT; Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, Chairperson, NAWOJ; JCIN Ambassador Sharon Akuboh, CEO of Bowls and Bottles; global content creator Mr. Peter, and Miss Nollywood.
Others included former NUJ FCT Chairmen: Comrade Chief Barr. Malachy Uzendu, Comrade Amos Dunia, Mrs. Mabel, former NAWOJ FCT Secretary Comrade Adora Chesa, Dr. Jophia Nanker, CEO of Adinya Arise Foundation, Founder of PAYWODI, Comrade Felix Ojo, Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Raphael Oni, Dean of Diplomatic Correspondents, Comrade Odinta, Dean of Defence Correspondents, Comrade Collins Ajibola (King of Radio), Comrade Alpha Jackden, Comrade Charles Edet, Comrade Ogaba Idu, Comrade Charity Marcus, Efosa Hutson, Vice Chairman, Correspondents Chapel, Odion Musa Fernandez, Nicholas Adekunle, Queen Kunde Enoch, Joy Onu of Liberal News, Hope O., and many others.
Victor began the marathon around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, with his first guest, Comrade Sharon Emephia, Assistant Secretary, NUJ FCT Council. He concluded at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, with Etim Ekpo Enyogu, clocking in 74 hours and 10 seconds.
The event, themed “Nigeria, Our Strength”, drew nationwide attention and solidarity from the journalism community. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nollywood representatives, and other media professionals expressed pride and support for Victor’s determination.
“This is not just about breaking a record—it’s about being an ambassador for press freedom,” said Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson of NUJ FCT Council. “We are proud to have Victor as a member of our council.”
One of his colleagues remarked, “Victor is showing us what it means to stay committed to the craft of journalism—asking questions, engaging minds, and documenting history without giving up.”
Throughout the 74-hour marathon, Victor welcomed voices from journalism, politics, security, advocacy, entertainment, health, and entrepreneurship. Each conversation contributed to a broader message: that journalism remains a critical tool for dialogue, enlightenment, and social change. Many guests emphasized that for democracy to thrive, the media must be free to speak truth without fear of repression.
Upon completing the challenge, Victor offered words of gratitude:
“I dedicate this accomplishment to all the interviewees who answered the call. You are the true heroes of this story. If officially declared a winner, the title belongs to all of you—and to my crew, who ensured everything was on point. Thank you.”
Victor now awaits official confirmation from Guinness World Records, but regardless of the verdict, his accomplishment has already inspired a new standard of resilience, storytelling, and patriotism in Nigerian journalism.
