A Nigerian woman has completed a 144-hour continuous Bible reading in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record.

Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, a member of Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, began the challenge, titled "144 Hours in the Word", on 22 June at the Novotel Port Harcourt and finished six days later.

The 27-year-old followed Guinness World Records' strict rules for marathon reading attempts, which allow only limited breaks for essentials such as sleep and meals.

According to her pastor, Dr Andy Osakwe, the challenge was intended to encourage deeper engagement with Scripture while inspiring other Christians to commit to regular Bible study.

Although she surpassed the 100-hour mark and completed the full 144 hours, the attempt must now be verified by Guinness World Records before any record is officially recognised.

Marathon reading attempts have become increasingly popular in Nigeria. The current Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud stands at 215 hours and two seconds, set by fellow Nigerian Samson Ajao in Osogbo, Osun State, between 6 and 15 May 2024. That broke the previous record of 124 hours, set by Kyrgyzstan's Rysbai Isakov in 2022.

The Guinness category covers marathon reading aloud rather than Bible reading specifically, meaning Salawudeen's attempt falls within the same broader record category rather than a separate Bible-reading classification.

Similar endurance challenges have also taken place elsewhere. In the United States, a pastor in Mississippi set a Guinness World Record by preaching continuously for 96 hours, reflecting a wider trend of faith-based endurance attempts.