215-Hour Read-A-Thon: Samson Ajao Thanks Governor Adeleke, Others, Says ‘Achievement Belongs To All’

Osun reading enthusiast,  Samson Ajao who smashed his 215-hour marathon reading-aloud attempt has thanked everyone for their efforts towards his milestone achievement.

Ajao, who started reading on Monday, 6th May 2024 to beat the current Guinness World Record holder, Rybai Isako, ended the marathon reading aloud around 11 am on Wednesday.

However, in an appreciation message on Friday, thanked Osun State Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Wife of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Chief Mrs Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, Hon. Bamidele Salami, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ede North/South/Egbedero/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Adewale Egbedun, Hon. Oderinwale Elisha Akinyemi (Ayedire), Hon. Awoyeye Abiola Jeremiah (Ife Central)
and other Assembly Honorables,
Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Fadipe Ibukun Ishola Chairman Osun Subeb, HRM Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II the Elerinmo of Erinmo ijesha, Senior Special Assistant on Student Matters to the Osun State Governor ,Hon.Ridwan Ayofe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Osun State on Community Communication, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly and other senior cadres who lent their support to this endeavor.

According to his appreciation message, “Embarking on the audacious endeavor of breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud was a monumental challenge, one that I could not have undertaken alone. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with profound gratitude for the unwavering support of each and every individual who stood by my side, whether in person or in spirit.

“Throughout the grueling 215-hour reading marathon, your encouragement, belief in my abilities, and countless words of motivation served as a beacon of light, guiding me through the darkest hours. Your presence, whether physical or virtual, provided me with the strength and determination to persevere through every obstacle and achieve this remarkable feat.

“I am immensely thankful for the sacrifices, understanding, and patience demonstrated by all those involved in this endeavor. Your unwavering support was the fuel that propelled me forward, page after page, hour after hour.

“I extend my sincerest appreciation to the Osun State Government under the administration of His Excellency, Governor, Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Wife of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Chief Mrs Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, Hon. Bamidele Salami, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ede North/South/Egbedero/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Adewale Egbedun, Hon. Oderinwale Elisha Akinyemi (Ayedire), Hon. Awoyeye Abiola Jeremiah (Ife Central)
and other Assembly Honorables,
Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Fadipe Ibukun Ishola Chairman Osun Subeb, HRM Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II the Elerinmo of Erinmo ijesha,
Senior Special Assistant on Student Matters to the Osun State Governor ,Hon.Ridwan Ayofe, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Osun State on Community Communication, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly and other senior cadres who lent their support to this endeavor.

“Furthermore, I am deeply grateful to the Osun State Polytechnic Iree Management under the watch of the Rector, Mr. Kehinde Alabi, Governing Council Chairman and council members, Deans of all faculties, Heads of Department and Staff, the Osun State Polytechnic Iree Alumni Association and the students of the noble institution and other institutions in the state,
Equally I appreciate Lagelu Grammar School Old Boys Association’s family under the leadership of global president, Mogaji Adewale
Kadri MBA, FCIIN, FCCA

“To Barrister Gbenga Adebisi, Managing Partner, Marturion Legal (my law firm) and organisations and businesses that generously supported me along this journey, including Adolak Hotel Investment, Osogbo, CEO Circle Investment, Osogbo, Chief Akinkunmi Alabi, GM, Fresh FM Osogbo, Dr. Daramola and Dr. Lasisi Opeyemi of University of Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osun State Red Cross, Osun State Ambulance Service, Vanguard Pharmacy Limited, Jeje Agba Channel, Western Sun TV, your assistance was instrumental in our collective success.

“To my indefatigable team members, friends, and family who stood by me every step of the way, your unwavering support and encouragement were the pillars of strength upon which I relied. Your belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to reach beyond my limits and make history.

“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to Osun Team under the leadership of Comrade Oyeyemi Olamilekan(Ajagungbade Emir), Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Iwo Initiative Forum, Omoluabi Progressive, National Association of Nigerian Students, and all media houses and press associations for their unwavering support.

“This achievement is not solely mine; it belongs to each and every individual who believed in the power of perseverance and the magic of literature. Together, we have demonstrated that with dedication, passion, and a strong support system, anything is possible.

“As I express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart for being part of this incredible journey, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and humility. Thank you for standing by me, for believing in me, and for showing me the true power of community and collaboration.”