From Sunday, September 28 to Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, the energy inside Tangier Hotel, Utako, Abuja, was electric as young Nigerian journalist Livinus Chibuike Victor pushed himself beyond limits, daring to surpass the current title of 55 hours 24 Seconds and break the record for the world’s longest interview marathon, which he did with 74 hours 10 Seconds, despite setting 72 hours 30 Seconds for himself.
To achieve this feat, Victor had to deny himself comfort and sleep to attain the 74 hours he spent interviewing 129 Guests. Notable among them is the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azurra, three former NAWOJ Presidents, Chief Moji Makanjuola, MFR, Rtn Evelyn Onyilo, Chief Ladi Bala, Former First Lady Imo State Nneoma R. Okorocha, Chairman NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike, Chairperson NAWOJ, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, JCIN Amb Sharon Akuboh, CEO Bowls and Bottles, global Content Creator Mr Peter, Miss Nollywood.
Others include; Former Chairmen of NUJ FCT Comrade Chief Barr Malachy Uzendu, Comrade Amos Dunia, Mrs Mabel, former Secretary NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Adora Chesa, CEO Adinya Arise Foundation, Dr Jophia Nanker, Founder PAYWODI, Chairman Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Felix Ojo, Dean of Diplomatic Correspondents, Comrade Raphael Oni, Dean of Defense Correspondents Comrade Odinta, King of Radio, Comrade Collins Ajibola, Comrade Alpha Jackden, Comrade Charles Edet, Comrade Ogaba Idu, Comrade Charity Marcus, Vice Chairman Correspondents Chapel Efosa Hutson, Odion Musa Fernandez, Nancy Osuji, Nicholas Adekunle, Queen Kunde Enoch, Publisher Ziti online, Joy Onu, Liberal News, Coach Nkechi Onyeneke, Hope O, and a host of Others.
He started at about 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, September 28th, with Comrade Sharon Emephia, Assistant Secretary NUJ FCT Council, and finished around 2:45 p.m. on October 1st, 2025, with Etim Ekpo Enyogu, hitting 74 hours and 12 Seconds.
Victor’s marathon effort has become more than just a personal challenge; it is now a celebration of resilience, storytelling, and the power of the Nigerian spirit, with the Theme „Nigeria Our Strength“.
The marathon began on Sunday, September 28, 2025, and has drawn wide attention and solidarity from colleagues nationwide. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Nollywood and several media professionals have rallied to support the young reporter, describing his effort as a symbol of grit and passion.
“This is not just about breaking a record, it‘s about being an ambassador for Press Freedom”, according to Comrade Grace Ike, Chairman NUJ FCT. She was also proud to have Victor as a member of her Council.
Another of his colleagues remarked, “Victor is showing us what it means to stay committed to the craft of journalism, asking questions, engaging minds, and documenting history without giving up.”
Throughout the 74 hours, guests from diverse fields—NUJ, NAWOJ, Sisterhood, politics, security, entertainment, health, entrepreneurship, Nollywood, and advocacy—took the hot seat, lending their voices to the unfolding marathon. Each conversation added a unique layer to Victor‘s story: journalism remains a tool for dialogue, enlightenment, and impact.
Stressing that for any democracy to thrive, the Media must be allowed to say the truth without fear of being gagged or attacked.
According to Princess Joy Idam, the journey seemed far when it started, as Victor aimed to hit the ambitious 72-hour and 30-second mark to set a new global benchmark. He eventually did, but with a price of significant discomfort; he held on and finished.
Livinus Chibuike Victor dedicated his finishing strong to all the interviewees who yielded to the call and described them as the true heroes. “When I eventually declare the Winner, I will dedicate it to them and the crew who personalised it, ensuring everything was on point. Thank you all.”
