Chibuike Victor takes on Guinness World Record for longest interview marathon

Nigerian independent journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, has completed the longest interviewing marathon to attempt the Guinness World Record.

Victor’s attempt aims to surpass the previous record of 55 hours and 24 seconds set by Chizoba Clara Kronborg in March 2024. Victor’s record-breaking attempt lasted 72 hours and 30 seconds, conducted from April 17 to 20, 2025, at Harrow Park Golf Club in Abuja.

The event, themed “Nigeria Our Strength,” featured interviews with over 205 guests, including civic leaders, professionals, activists, and everyday Nigerians, discussing topics such as national development, media ethics, and press freedom.

Victor’s motivation for attempting the record was to advocate for better working conditions and welfare for journalists, highlighting the challenges faced by media professionals, including poor working conditions and harassment by State actors.

During the marathon, Victor consumed only water and Lucozade Boost to sustain himself, while a team of medical professionals monitored his health. The attempt was self-funded, costing over N13 million, with support from family, friends, and colleagues.

Victor expressed his feelings of joy and fulfilment after completing the record, stating that the experience was “hell” but worth it.

He plans to use his achievement to push for improved media welfare and press freedom, travelling to 54 nations to advocate for these causes. Victor also hinted at a future project to become the first independent journalist to host an interview in Antarctica, a project he’s been working on for four years.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.