Nigerian Journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor Sets Guinness World Record with 75-Hour Interview Marathon

Nigerian Journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor Sets Guinness World Record with 75-Hour Interview Marathon

Nigerian journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor has achieved a historic milestone, completing a 75-hour interview marathon to claim the Guinness World Record for the longest interview session. Held at Harrow Park Golf Club in Abuja from 17 to 20 April 2025, the event, themed ‘Nigeria Our Strength’, surpassed the previous record of 55 hours and 24 seconds set by Clara Chizoba Kronborg in Marbella, Spain, in March 2024. Victor’s marathon was a powerful tribute to press freedom, inspiring Nigerians and journalists worldwide.

A Passio

nate Advocate for Truth

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Livinus Chibuike Victor is a seasoned journalist with a deep commitment to amplifying marginalised voices. A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he has over ten years of experience as a reporter, radio host, and columnist. Known for his fearless reporting on politics and social issues, Livinus has earned widespread respect. He also mentors young journalists through a local initiative he founded, teaching ethical reporting in a challenging media landscape.

‘Journalism is about serving truth and justice,’ Livinus told supporters at the marathon’s close. His decision to attempt the record was driven by the struggles journalists face, including censorship and threats. By enduring 75 hours of interviews, he aimed to highlight the resilience of a free press and its vital role in democracy.

A Test of Endurance

Livinus set a target of 72 hours and 30 minutes to break Kronborg’s record. However, on the second night, exhaustion caused him to ‘freeze’, halting interviews for two hours. Determined to honour the challenge, he extended the marathon by two hours and 30 minutes, reaching a total of 75 hours. His WhatsApp support group celebrated this grit, announcing, ‘Hurray! Livinus coasts to victory as he hits the 72 hours 30 seconds mark, adding time to make up for last night when nature took its course.’

The marathon began at 8:00 AM on 17 April, with Livinus interviewing a diverse group—community leaders, activists, students, and citizens—on topics like Nigeria’s democracy and media’s role. Live Q&A sessions, streamed on platforms like X, kept audiences engaged globally. Despite the physical toll, Livinus persevered, supported by a strict regimen of meditation, exercise, and a high-protein diet developed over months of preparation. A medical team monitored his health, ensuring he stayed hydrated and rested during brief, rule-compliant breaks.

A Collective Triumph

The event was a community effort, backed by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, which provided logistics and rallied support. NUJ Chairperson Grace Ike praised Livinus, saying, ‘His 75-hour marathon is a proud moment for Nigerian journalism, showing our power to drive change.’ Local businesses supplied food, water, and equipment, while volunteers managed the venue and live streams.

Supporters at Harrow Park created a vibrant atmosphere, waving placards with slogans like ‘Press Freedom Now!’ and ‘Nigeria Our Strength’. On X, #Livinus75Hours trended, with posts like, ‘Livinus is a legend! 75 hours for press freedom—this is Nigeria’s pride!’ from user @VoiceOfNaija

His WhatsApp group erupted in cheers as he hit the 75-hour mark, noting the extra time to compensate for his fatigue-induced pause.

A Rallying Cry for Press Freedom

Livinus finished his final interview at 11:00 AM on 20 April, met with applause and a standing ovation. ‘This is for every journalist who speaks truth to power,’ he declared, raising a triumphant fist. The Guinness World Records adjudicator verified the 75-hour duration, confirming the new record. The official certificate is expected soon, marking a milestone for Nigeria.

The marathon has sparked vital conversations about press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists face harassment and attacks, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists in 2024. Livinus’s feat has galvanised calls for stronger protections, with X users urging policymakers to act. ‘A free press is democracy’s heartbeat,’ he said, emphasising its role in empowering citizens.

A Vision for Tomorrow

As Livinus recovers, he plans to launch a podcast featuring marathon stories and dreams of interviewing in Antarctica to spotlight climate change. For now, he’s advocating for better funding for independent media and legal safeguards for journalists. His achievement has inspired young reporters like Amina Yusuf, who said, ‘Livinus showed me journalism can change lives. I’m ready to tell impactful stories.’

A Lasting Legacy

Livinus Chibuike Victor’s 75-hour marathon is more than a record; it’s a testament to journalism’s enduring power. In a world where truth faces challenges, his feat shines as a beacon of hope, proving one voice can spark change. As Nigeria celebrates, Livinus’s message resonates: protecting press freedom is protecting democracy itself. His 75 hours of storytelling will echo for years, inspiring a nation and its journalists to keep speaking out.