School of Eloquence rallies Nigeria for speech marathon

School of Eloquence record attempt to run for 20 days in Lagos as part of its anniversary, aiming for the world’s longest speaking relay

School of Eloquence record attempt is set to make history as the institution embarks on an ambitious 20-day public speaking marathon in Lagos, Nigeria.

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The event, designed as a Guinness World Record attempt, will bring together hundreds of Nigerians to speak continuously in relay over a 480-hour period — marking a bold celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Starting on 12 January 2026, the speech marathon will take place at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

Titled “20 Days of Eloquence — The World’s Longest Speaking Relay,” the event has received official approval from Guinness World Records (Ref: 250922121700lsm).

Participants will each speak for approximately 20 minutes before passing the microphone to the next speaker, in a seamless rotation that mirrors the institution’s two decades of building confident communicators.

According to Ubong Essien, CSP, founder and Dean of the School of Eloquence:

“For 20 years, we’ve taught Nigerians to speak with courage and clarity. Now, Nigeria will speak back to the world — as one voice, one people.”

The event is themed “Pass on the Mic” and aims to become a national platform for self-expression, unity, and intellectual exchange. Nigerians from all walks of life — including students, professionals, and civic leaders — are expected to participate.

The current Guinness World Record for longest speech marathon by a team is held by Toastmasters District 112 (New Zealand) at 127 hours, 31 minutes, and 43 seconds.

The School of Eloquence plans to quadruple that with an awe-inspiring 480-hour target.

But this event is more than a record bid. Organisers envision it as a legacy project, designed to promote national identity, encourage dialogue, and elevate public discourse across the continent.

Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are open to corporates, institutions, and individuals interested in supporting a truly iconic feat.

The team promises a fully compliant setup with timekeepers, independent witnesses, and stewards as required by Guinness World Records.

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As Nigeria looks ahead to 2026, the School of Eloquence record attempt stands as a powerful metaphor — that in a nation of many voices, unity is possible when the microphone is passed, not dropped.