In a heartwarming gesture, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has pledged unwavering support to Ori Benedict Agbor, a student from the English & Education at the University of Calabar. Ori Benedict, who hails from the serene Ojirim, Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, is embarking on an ambitious journey to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous read-aloud session from 12th February to 15th February, 2024.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the National Association of Ogoja Students Worldwide, who sought the state government’s endorsement for this remarkable endeavor. Deputy Governor Peter Odey expressed his admiration for Ori Benedict’s determination and encouraged him to persevere in his pursuit.
Speaking to the student body, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said the visit reminded him of his days in the university where he also served as President of the Association . He charged the students to focus on what was important: “Academics remain paramount. While student unionism and extracurricular activities are essential, your primary focus should always be on your studies. Remember, you’ll graduate with just one certificate from this esteemed institution.”
In an exclusive interview, Ori Benedict shared his strategy for success. Having received official approval from the Guinness World Records management team, he is gearing up to read the Holy Bible aloud for an astounding 150 hours—spanning 7 days, from February 12th to February 17th, 2024. This ambitious feat aims to surpass the existing record of 124 hours set by Rysbai Isakov in 2022. Isakov achieved this notable feat by reading the Manas Epic, a revered Buddhist religious text.
Ori Benedict’s dedication and determination have captured the imagination of many, and the entire state eagerly awaits his historic achievement. Let us rally behind this young scholar as he embarks on this literary odyssey. The Deputy Governor has assured the young scholar of his presence on the final day of the record-breaking attempt, aiming to provide encouragement and to witness history in the making.
Shortly after the meeting with the deputy governor, Dr. Chris Ojikpong, Head of Personal Staff to the Deputy Governor, expressed his delight at the ambitious project undertaken by a local visionary named Ori. Which he said had national significance.
Ori’s audacious goal has captured the attention of many, including the Ogoja Student Association’s President, Christopher Ojikpong, who stands firmly behind the endeavor. An Akwa Ibomite, Solomon Effiong, a senator in the Student Union Government at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), echoed this sentiment. Effiong praised Ori’s unwavering passion, believing that achieving this record will elevate the university’s reputation on the global stage.
As the project gains momentum, all eyes are on Ori and the dedicated management team, hoping for their success. With unwavering determination and the support of the entire community, Ori embarks on a journey to etch his name in the annals of history. The world awaits, and Cross River State stands poised to celebrate this remarkable feat.
