Okafor Chidinma Modupe, an English Education graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) in Enugu State, who recently completed a 72-hour crocheting marathon aiming for the Guinness World Records, has stated that the task was difficult for her to accomplish due to numerous factors that could have truncated the dream.
Speaking with journalists about her quest to attain the Guinness World Records in Crocheting, she disclosed there were a lot of hurdles on her way while embarking on the 72-hour crocheting marathon held from December 24 to 27, 2023 in Lagos State.
While elucidating on the challenges, she said, “I had a lot of challenges like convincing people to believe in you. Most people today, before they can render help to an individual, believe you should have been a celebrity, you should be well-known, you should have a name, or a status.”
Speaking further about a setback, she said she was shocked when an earlier agreement for a venue for the Guinness World Records event was rescinded as she was asked to pay the sum of N800,000 daily to hold the contest.
However, she expressed her gratitude to the Goge Africa team who stepped in and made her not quit her quest to put Nigeria on the world stage, as she was trying to surpass the Guinness World Records held by American Alexander Hayden with 34 hours 7 mins for crocheting.
To this, the CEO of 6Chi Crocheting brand implores parents to allow their wards to express themselves aside from their academic pursuits.
She stated, “Parents out there should allow their children to explore their skills, and observe your child. It’s not all about, you know, what, like when you see your child doing a particular thing, give room to listen to your children, listen to what they want, and help them actualize this dream.
“Going to school is very good because it also helps you in your skills. As you’re able to do things differently from someone who had not been to the four walls of classrooms, going to school is good as it will help you in your business line to explore more, but whatever skill you have, don’t look down on it; encourage your child in that skill, discover your child’s ability on time, and help them grow in it.”
She promised to keep showcasing Nigeria and African crafts in crocheting as she awaits the GWR to evaluate and announce their decision on the record.
According to her, it is based on your zeal, and it’s not about you having the money before you can start.
“I will be showcasing creativity at its peaks as everyone has these skills in them. If we as individuals realize what we have in us, we would be creating more job opportunities out there, and we can go places with our crafts,” she added.
