Tonye Solomon is latest Nigerian to set Guinness World Record

Tonye Solomon, a Nigerian from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has set a record for the most steps (150) climbed on a ladder while balancing a football (soccer ball) on the head, according to the Guinness World Records. Solomon achieved the record on August 10, the Guinness World Records said.

“Tonye attempted this record to challenge himself and to inspire others to do great things. He spent 2 months training for the attempt until he was confident he could achieve the record,” the site wrote.

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, praised Solomon for the feat. “Such a great feat is inspiring, and it’s worth celebrating. We are proud of you Champ!” Ewhrudjakpo said on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

Solomon’s record comes amid many Guinness World Record attempts from Nigeria after Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey broke the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual). The chef, who is also known as Hilda Baci, went viral across social media in May when she attempted to break the record that India’s Lata Tondon previously held.

Last month, a Nigerian woman collapsed in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest massage, Vanguard reported. Joyce Ijeoma was hoping to achieve a 72-hour body massage on individuals but collapsed during her live coverage at the venue in the Lekki area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Since its inception in 1955, the Guinness Book of World Records has served as a definitive source for vetting human records and achievements, and many people today are actively looking to have their names entered into the record book. 

Besides Baci and Solomon, other Nigerians have also made the list of Guinness World Record holders with incredible feats. Nigerian dancer, dance instructor, fitness coach and choreographer Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau broke the Guinness World Record for “Longest Dance Party” at the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon in 2006.

Nigerian Disc Jockey Oyinka Asu-Johnson professionally known as DJ Yin also broke the record for the longest Dj set in October 2021. DJ Yin broke the record by operating her set for 243 hours, and 30 minutes, at The Grill by Yanna, Ikoyi, Lagos. 

In May, Phillip Solomon, a 17-year-old student, was declared the official Guinness World Record holder for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds.