Nigerian Artist Abidemi Praise Omopariola Sets Guinness World Record with 90-Hour Portrait Marathon

On 5 July 2024, Nigerian portrait artist Abidemi Praise Omopariola secured her place in global history after completing an extraordinary 90-hour portrait drawing marathon, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon drawing portraits , a category that had never previously been attempted.

Over nearly four days of continuous work, the Nigerian artist stood for hours producing 15 detailed portraits, demonstrating both remarkable artistic discipline and physical endurance. Among the personalities she sketched were King Charles III, Bishop David Oyedepo, and football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, reflecting a diverse range of global figures interpreted through her artistic lens.

The achievement marked a significant moment in Omopariola’s journey back into the professional art world. After relocating to the United Kingdom, she had stepped away from full-time artistic practice while working various jobs to sustain herself. Determined to return to her creative path, she pursued a bold idea that would not only relaunch her career but also showcase Nigerian artistic excellence on the world stage.

Preparing for the challenge required months of dedication as she trained intensively to build the stamina needed to remain standing and focused for prolonged hours, turning the attempt into both a physical and mental test of endurance.

Yet the story behind the record stretches back to her childhood. Art first became meaningful to Omopariola as a personal refuge during difficult moments at home. Drawing allowed her to channel emotions into creativity, gradually transforming a coping mechanism into a lifelong calling.

During the marathon itself, the intensity of the effort briefly took a toll when her blood pressure rose sharply, prompting close monitoring from medical personnel present at the event. After stabilising, she pushed forward and completed the attempt, sealing the historic record.

Today, the accomplishment stands as more than an individual victory. It reflects the growing global visibility of Nigerian talent, resilience, and creativity. Through her achievement, Omopariola has turned a deeply personal journey into a source of inspiration, reinforcing a message increasingly seen across the country that Nigerian excellence continues to redefine global possibilities.