Nigeria’s global reputation for talent and resilience continues to grow, with citizens breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks on the world stage.
The Guinness World Records, often regarded as the pinnacle of extraordinary achievement, has repeatedly featured Nigerians whose feats span entertainment, sports, fashion, music, and more.
These record holders have not only carved their names into history but also showcased the country’s creativity, endurance, and determination before a global audience.
From marathon cooking and chess sessions that stretched for days, to groundbreaking achievements in powerlifting, music, and dance, Nigerians have proven that innovation and grit know no bounds.
Each story is a testament to how individuals from across the nation are turning personal passions into achievements of global significance.
According to Tribune Online, here are ten Nigerians who have secured their place in the Guinness World Records.
— Hilda Baci – Celebrity chef Hilda Baci captured national and international attention in May 2023 when she cooked for 100 hours straight, setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Although her record was later broken, she has remained a symbol of culinary ambition and is currently attempting to cook the largest pot of jollof rice in collaboration with a food brand.
— Tunde Onakoya – Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, made history on April 17, 2025, in New York, USA, when he played non-stop chess for 64 hours. The time was symbolic, representing the 64 squares on a chessboard. His successful attempt came a year after an earlier effort which, although unsuccessful, raised over $100,000 for his charity initiative.
— Ojumola Bello – Nollywood actress Ojumola Bello made history in September 2024 after completing 139 hours and 19 minutes of non-stop acting at Pent View Hotel in Ikorodu. Running from September 22 to 27, her marathon performance earned her a Guinness World Record and made her the first Nigerian actress to achieve such recognition.
— Helen Williams – Professional wig maker Helen Williams transformed her craft into a world-class feat in July 2023 when she entered the Guinness World Records for the longest handmade wig, which measured 351.28 metres, longer than the Eiffel Tower. At just 31, her achievement highlighted Nigeria’s growing presence in the global beauty and fashion space.
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Hilda Baci Cooks Largest Pot Of Jollof Rice In Second World Record Attempt
— Divine Ikubor (Rema) – Afrobeats sensation Rema, born Divine Ikubor, made history in May 2023 when he became the first artist to top the MENA charts, earning a Guinness World Records title. His breakout hit Calm Down, released on February 11, 2022, also became one of the fastest songs to surpass 100 million Spotify streams, underscoring his influence as one of Africa’s most prominent young artists.
— Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau (Kaffy) – Renowned dancer and choreographer Kaffy shot to global fame in 2006 when she led a team to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party during the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. Her achievement cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated performers and continues to inspire dancers across Africa.
— Wizkid – Internationally acclaimed Afrobeats star Ayodeji Balogun, better known as Wizkid, earned Guinness World Record recognition when he featured on Drake’s global hit One Dance. Released on December 16, 2016, the track became the first song to surpass one billion Spotify streams. With this milestone, Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to reach the billion-stream mark, marking a historic breakthrough for African music worldwide.
— Lucy Ejike – Paralympian Lucy Ejike solidified her legacy at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she set a Guinness World Record by lifting 142 kg in the -61 kg category, the heaviest lift by a female athlete in that division. Her dominance goes back to Athens 2004, when she lifted 127.5 kg in the -44 kg class, securing gold and establishing another record that still stands today.
— Fela Kuti – Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti holds the Guinness World Record for the most studio albums recorded by a solo artist. Between 1969 and 1992, he released 46 albums, leaving behind a legacy that not only shaped global music but also gave voice to political activism through art.
— Adeoye Ajibola – Paralympic sprinter Adeoye Ajibola made history at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games when he ran the men’s 100 metres in 10.72 seconds in the T46 classification for athletes with limb impairments. His record-breaking time secured him a Guinness World Record and a place among Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes.
— Joy Onaolapo – Paralympic powerlifter Joy Onaolapo delivered an unforgettable performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. On September 1, she lifted 131 kg in the women’s -52 kg category to win gold, setting a Guinness World Record in the process. Though she has since passed away, her achievement remains a source of pride and inspiration.
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Image Credit: EduTimesAfrica
