Abuja barber attempts GWR for longest Haircut Marathon

Abuja, Nigeria: An Abuja-based barber, Joshua Aiyenuro, has announced plans to attempt a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest haircut marathon, aiming to cut hair continuously for seven days.

Mr. Aiyenuro, founder of the T-Jos Signature brand—renowned for serving high-profile clients including top Nigerian footballers—disclosed the ambitious initiative during a press briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that the attempt is not just a personal challenge, but a broader statement about the potential of African talent.

“I want the world to know that talent in Africa goes beyond music and athletics,” Aiyenuro said. “This is more than a haircut—it’s a statement to young Africans everywhere that we can dream big and achieve even more.”

According to him, the record attempt is part of a mission to inspire skilled professionals across the continent to make their mark without leaving Africa. “We can build legacies right here, with what we have,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, President of the African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF), Blessing Akinlosotu, called for public and private sector support for the initiative. He described it as a platform to highlight African excellence in innovation, skill, and resilience.

“This isn’t just about breaking a record,” Akinlosotu said. “Supporting Joshua is an investment in African pride and youth empowerment.”

He also announced that the campaign would extend beyond the record attempt, with plans to launch community-focused projects addressing issues such as drug abuse, illegal migration, and cybercrime. The second phase, he explained, will aim to equip young people with tools to channel their abilities into meaningful ventures.

The initiative, a collaboration between AFRICSOF and T-Jos Signature, is part of a broader movement to encourage a new generation of Africans to believe in their potential and contribute to national development.

Nigeria has recently witnessed a surge in GWR pursuits across diverse sectors. In 2023, chef Hilda Baci gained national acclaim after cooking non-stop for 93 hours and 11 minutes. More recently, in 2024, chess master Tunde Onakoya played for 60 hours straight in New York City’s Times Square, breaking the previous record while raising funds for children’s education through his initiative, Chess in Slums Africa.

In the arts, 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke set a new world record for the largest art canvas—measuring 12,304 square meters—using his work to raise awareness about autism, a condition he lives with.

With his upcoming marathon, Mr. Aiyenuro hopes to join this growing list of Nigerians using global platforms to spotlight homegrown talent and inspire change.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 14,2025