19/09/2023
Myibibio Series: Faces of Ibibio 26
John Obot Jnr: Bibliophile & World Record-Breaker in longest marathon reading aloud
Good to be back On Faces of Ibibio. Sure you missed us?
We promise not to take so long again.
Okay, let’s go. You remember, 30 FACES FOR 30DAYS series has featured Dominic Ignatius Ekandem, the First black African Cardinal of Catholic Church and President Christian Association of Nigeria, Margaret Ekpo, the first Women Right Activist in Nigeria, Wellington Duke Bassey, the Nigeria’s First Indigenous Army Officer, Christy Uduak Essien-Igbokwe, the Nigeria’s First Lady of Songs, Philip Effiong, the First Commander of the Nigeria Army Ordinance Corps & Acting President of Defunct Republic of Biafra, Justice Sir Udo Udoma, the Legal luminary and first black Chief Justice of Uganda, Liz Benson, renowned Movie & TV Personality, Regina Askia, Screen Diva and Model, Prof Eyo Ita, Nigeria’s Founding father.
Sam Akpabot, renowned Musicologist and Writer, Udo Maryam, Xylophonist and Nigeria Cultural Ambassador, Samuel Peter, the legendary World Boxing Champion, Clement Isong, the second indigenous Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and first civilian Governor of Cross River State, Margaret Eshiet, popularly known as Mma Sibaba Sibaba, Ace Broadcaster, Victor Eshiet (The Mandators)- Nigerian Reggae Music legend, U J Esuene, the first Military Administrator of South-Eastern state, Vincent Enyeama, the legendary International football Goalkeeper, Nyong Essien, Nationalist & Statesman, Ibanga Akpabio, foremost Educationist and Statesman, Ini Edo, Nigeria Movie star and screen Queen, Emem Isong, Veteran Movie Writer, Producer and Director, Ime Bishop Umoh, Nigerian Comic Actor, Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob, a world celebrated young mathematician and scholar, Hilda Baci, World Record-Breaking Chef and TV Personality.
And today, we introduce the newest world record breaker, John Obot Jnr.
John Obot has successfully broken the Guinness World Record for the longest duration of a read-aloud marathon. Surpassing the previous record set by Indian citizen Rysbai Isakov, who held the title with 124 hours, Obot achieved an impressive 145 hours of non-stop reading.
John Obot, a graduate of Educational Management from the University of Uyo and member of Uyo Book Club, UBC, was born on Saturday, November 12, 1988, in Enugu state, Nigeria, to a broadcast journalist, Mr. John Obot and wife, Bernadette, a teacher.
John started his educational journey at the Army Children Nursery School in Akwunanwu, Enugu.
His formative years at the Presbyterian Primary School on Enwe Street in Uyo were marked by the indelible influence of his father, a broadcast journalist. This influence led to John's active participation in radio quizzes and debates, igniting his passion for knowledge. His father's unwavering demand for early reading instilled in John and his siblings an insatiable appetite for exploration through books.
John went to the Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong, Abak LGA, his father's alma mater, for his secondary school education. Here, his creative flair blossomed. He became a school dramatist, captivating audiences with his performances, and an integral member of the press club. His responsibility included curating and transcribing news reports for publication on the school's press board. In debates, John was a standout, leading his class to victory over seniors in a memorable contest.
His journey continued at the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), Uyo, where he played a pivotal role in forming the school's Press and Literary Club. As its first president, he oversaw the production of dramas and news reports, even constructing and donating a press board at the entrance of the school chapel. An extraordinary moment in his youth occurred when, in Senior Secondary 1, he interviewed Senator Effiong Bob, who was visiting the school. Impressed by John's talent and in memory of his late father, a friend of the senator, Sen. Effiong Bob generously offered to pay for John's school fees until his graduation.
After completing secondary school, John faced a unique challenge when the courses he intended to study at the University of Uyo were delisted due to accreditation issues. In response, he made a wise decision to enroll at the International Management and Finance Institute in 2004 for a one-year Diploma in Computer Engineering and Maintenance.
Between 2004 and 2010, John thrived as a systems administrator at various computer and data processing centers, gaining valuable technical skills. However, his heart remained close to humanitarian pursuits. He joined the Heart of Love Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing medical aid to the less fortunate. Serving as secretary and rapporteur, John traveled extensively across Nigerian states, a transformative experience that deepened his understanding of life and society.
In 2010, he resumed his formal education having gained admission into the Department of Curriculum Studies Educational Management & Planning, University of Uyo. His commitment led him to becoming the Secretary-General of the Curriculum Studies Students Association (CUSSA), where he played a pivotal role in drafting the association's first constitution.
Throughout his academic journey, John took on various roles, from being a media advisor, to managing One Campus Gist Magazine, Nigeria's Premier Campus News Magazine. He also contributed as a volunteer programs production assistant at Radio Nigeria Atlantic FM, Uyo.
In a twist of fate, John temporarily veered from mainstream academics to delve into digital and media skills such as web design, photography, graphics design, and multimedia production. His versatility and adaptability became his hallmarks.
Returning to academic in 2017, John assumed the formidable role of teaching his colleagues Greek Grammar & Syntax as a tutor, a testament to his intellectual prowess and dedication. He further expanded his impact by serving as a Media Advisor to the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students' Matters, where he played a crucial role in establishing and managing EDUWATCH, an online education news platform for Nigerian students and educators.
In the course of his studies, John served as a student teacher in various schools, imparting knowledge to the next generation. He even temporarily paused his teaching duties to prepare for the Guinness World Record Official Attempt for Longest Marathon Reading Aloud, a testament to his enduring passion for literature and education.
A vocal advocate for good governance, John's journey extended beyond the classroom to the airwaves. He evolved from being a consistent caller on news and current affairs programs on radio in Akwa Ibom State to joining the crew of XL Citizen Centa, the foremost news and current affairs program in the region. Here, he served as a Production Research Assistant and occasionally co-hosted the program.
John's multifaceted character is also marked by his deep Christian faith, combined with a passion for freethinking and open-minded analysis of religious traditions.
Obot’s journey to World record-breaking in marathon reading aloud began on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Cityview Hall (LETTERS HOUSE), Watbridge Hotels & Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. However, due to technical issues and power failures, his initial attempt of over 45 hours was invalidated.
Some of the over 40 books he read aloud within the six days include: Echoes of The Traditional Society written by a renowned Nigerian journalist, Akpandem James. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe; Civil War Child by Nestor Udoh; Ibibio Nation: History and Culture by Oto-Obong Uwah; Eze Goes to School by Michael Crowder and Onuora Nzekwu; and Animal Farm by George Orwell etc.
While breaking the record on Monday in the task termed; ‘READERMANIA’ the state Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Senator Representing Eket Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Representing, Uyo Senatorial District, Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the state Head of Civil Service, Chief Effiong Essien, ALGON Chairman in the state, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robeson among others were there and joined in the count down to the 145 hours from 144:50 hours.
Key personalities across the country, including the first lady of the Akwa Ibom state, Mrs Eno Umoh, have stopped by to celebrate and encourage Obot during the reading marathon. The Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Eno, who is in the entourage of President Tinubu to United Nations General Assembly in New York, has also celebrated John Obot, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary.
“This is what we all can do in our various fields with the right discipline, mindset, determination and focus. This is what the Akwa Ibom spirit represents: resilience, grit, determination, ‘can-do’ bravado and passion to excel. “Your success has ignited our reading culture and I look forward to celebrating you and other heroes and heroines during our forthcoming 36th State Anniversary.
“Congratulations again, great son of Akwa Ibom State,” Gov Eno said..
John Obot resides in Uyo with his family. He is a trained teacher and member of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. It has been a remarkable journey of resilience and passion. He is setting out to lead a book culture campaign.
MyIbibio salutes John Obot Jnr on this feat.
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-Culled from the book Myibibio: Folklore, Lifestyle, Intrigues by Anietie Udobit (Available on Amazon)
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