By Chinaza Osigwe
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, has congratulated Mr. Godwin Chika for setting a Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, which lasted 200 hours and 40 minutes. The record-breaking event took place in Victoria Island, Lagos, from April 3 to 12, 2024.Speaking during a courtesy visit by Mr. Chika at his office in the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka, Mr. Onyenji described the artist’s achievement as a source of pride to Anambra State, noting that the state is blessed with exceptional individuals excelling globally across different fields.The commissioner commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his continued support for the arts, highlighting the governor’s investments in artistic designs and installations across the state, including the Solution Fun City and the New Government House. He also recalled the governor’s active participation in the 2023 Art and Craft Exhibition, where he purchased several artworks, assuring that he would personally attend the opening of Chika’s new art gallery in Awka.In response, Mr. Godwin Chika, an Awka-born visual artist and Guinness World Record holder for the longest painting marathon, expressed gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception and encouragement. He recounted his journey to achieving the record despite numerous challenges, attributing his success to perseverance and faith in God.He also praised Governor Soludo for his commitment to promoting art and culture in the state and announced plans to launch his art gallery in Awka on November 16, 2025. The exhibition, titled “Aku Luo Uno, A Mara Onye Kpatara Ya,” will feature cultural artefacts such as vintage radios, televisions, and currencies used during the civil war, aimed at preserving Igbo culture from extinction.
