Nigeria set to top global speaking record

Kuhlmann confirmed that the attempt has entered the official verification phase, during which submitted evidence will be reviewed in line with Guinness standards, with an announcement in the coming days. She noted the scale of the Nigerian feat, noting it has set a new performance threshold.

Nolan described the accomplishment as a defining moment for the global speaking profession.

“This 480-hour speaking relay is a remarkable demonstration of discipline, excellence, and collective purpose’’.

Read Also: Oil marketers, airlines, regulators to resolve Jet A1 price crisis in 72 hours

‘‘It expands what is possible in the speaking profession and places Nigeria firmly on the global map as a source of structured, powerful, and impactful voices,” she said.

She added that the initiative represents “a turning point for the global speaking profession,” opening doors for “greater collaboration across Africa and internationally,” while signaling Nigeria’s emergence “as a serious contributor to global thought leadership.”

The closing ceremony drew key stakeholders, including the Special Adviser on Blue Economy to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadamilola; the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Christiana Salwang; and the Registrar of the School of Eloquence, Mrs. Patience Essien. Also present were senior alumni, members of the Learning and Development Network International, including Mr. Victor Diali and Ms. Sandra Iheanacho, as well as NYSC participants who took part in the relay.

Oluwadamilola commended the initiative, describing it as more than a record attempt.

“What we have witnessed here goes beyond a record attempt. This is a structured national intervention in the way we think, speak, and engage as a people. The School of Eloquence has demonstrated leadership in shaping the future of communication in Nigeria,” he said.

Explaining the vision behind the project, Essien said the marathon was designed to commemorate 20 years of the institution through a symbolic relay of ideas and voices.

“This was designed as a succession of voices—a relay of ideas across 20 days. It is our contribution to building a culture where communication is deliberate, structured, and impactful across every level of society—from young people to policymakers,” he stated.

He noted that the initiative was aimed at driving a national culture of articulation, strengthening public discourse, equipping Nigerians to think clearly and communicate effectively, and positioning the country as a global voice in leadership and ideas.

Over the 20-day period, the platform hosted a continuous stream of speakers from diverse sectors and backgrounds, forming what participants described as “a national movement of voices—disciplined, deliberate, and transformational.”

With the successful completion of the marathon, organisers have begun compiling and submitting all required documentation for final verification. Given the presence of an assigned adjudicator and adherence to established guidelines throughout the process, expectations remain high that the feat will receive official recognition in the coming days.

The School of Eloquence, based in Ikoyi, Lagos, is widely regarded as a leading institution for public speaking and communication development, focused on raising confident and impactful leaders across various sectors.