2025 has been a landmark year for Nigerians on the world stage, with record-breaking feats spanning culinary arts, intellectual endurance, music, magic, literacy, and performance. From all around the world, Nigerians showcased creativity, resilience, and global influence. These accomplishments have not only put Nigeria on the Guinness World Records map but also inspired a new generation to aim higher.

Here’s a recap on the top Guinness World Record achievements and notable attempts by Nigerians in 2025:

Tunde Onakoya – Longest Chess Marathon
Record Broken: Longest continuous chess marathon (previous record: 61 hours 3 minutes)
The longest chess marathon is 64 hours, and was achieved by Tunde Onakoya (Nigeria) and Shawn Martinez (USA) in Times Square, New York City, New York, USA, between 17 April and 20 April 2025. The attempt consisted of 473 chess games play.

Hilda Baci – Largest Serving of Nigerian Jollof Rice Achievement: 8,780 kg of Jollof rice
Hilda Baci made her way back into the record books after kick-starting record fever across Africa. Alongside brand Gino Nigeria, Hilda cooked up the largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – a whopping 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) of the delicious dish at Eko Hotel and Suites, VI, Lagos.

Tacha (Anita Natacha Akide) – Most Cosmetic Makeovers
Record Broken: Most cosmetic makeovers completed by an individual
Anita Natacha Akide of Nigeria set a new record for the most cosmetic makeovers in 8 hours (individual) with 82 makeovers in Lagos on 11 October 2025, and went on to achieve 144 makeovers in 24 hours (individual) in Lagos.

George Iniabasi Essien (Mighty George) – Longest Radio Talk Show Marathon
The longest marathon hosting a radio talk show is 105 hours, and was achieved by George Iniabasi Essien (Nigeria), in Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, between 27 April and 1 May 2025.

George is a professional radio broadcaster with two decades of experience. He was driven to celebrate this professional milestone by attempting a Guinness World Records title. He hopes to inspire young broadcasters to pursue excellence.

Joshua Olusanya – Longest Duration Playing the Trumpet
Record Broken: Longest continuous trumpet playing (previous record: 24 hours 45 minutes)
The longest marathon playing the trumpet is 25 hr 30 min 36 sec, and was achieved by Joshua Olusanya (Nigeria) in Terra Kulture, Lagos, Nigeria, on 9 May 2025. Joshua attempted this record to advocate for the recognition of instrumental musicians, promote music education, and inspire talents worldwide to chase their dreams relentlessly

Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke – Largest Art Canvas by an Individual

Record Broken: Largest canvas by an individual (previous record: 10,000 m²)

The largest art canvas is 12,381.02m² (133,268.21 sq ft) and was achieved by Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke (Nigeria) in Abuja, Nigeria, as verified on 2 April 2025. Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke is a 14-year-old boy living with autism. While he completed his painting, entitled Impossibility is a Myth, on 24 November 2024, he unveiled it to the public on 2 April 2025 (World Autism Day) in order to call for greater awareness and inclusion for autism and neurodiversity in society. With the infinity symbol at the heart of the artwork, it represents the potential and abilities of those with autism and seeks to break down the barriers faced by people who are on the spectrum. His record attempt was supported by autism advocacy group The Zeebah Foundation, based in Abuja.

Notable Attempts Awaiting GWR Verification
– Longest Stand-Up Comedy Performance: Aderombi Martin (DeeOne), 52 hours – October 2025
– Longest Step Aerobics Marathon: Oluchukwu Okeke – December 2025 (Postpartum depression awareness)
– Most People Juggling a Football Simultaneously: Jay Jay Okocha & BetKing – June 2025
– Largest Vision Board Gathering: Dr. Shogo – November 2025
– Longest Dining Table: Federal Government of Nigeria – December 2025 (3.6 km cultural festival table)
– Longest Magic Show by an Individual: Faddothegreat, 50-hour nonstop magic performance – December 2025

From chess and jollof rice to makeovers, music,arts and talkshows, 2025 highlighted the diversity, endurance, and creativity of Nigerians. Each record broken and attempt made demonstrates not only personal achievement but also Nigeria’s global cultural, artistic, and intellectual footprint. 2026 looks promising as the bar has been set even higher.