The National Sports Commission (NSC) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Joshua Aiyenuro Babatunde for setting a new record for the longest professional hairdressing marathon, which he recently completed at the Velodrome of the Abuja National Stadium.
Affectionately known as Tjosh, Babatunde embarked on this record-breaking endeavour on 10th June 2025 and concluded it on Tuesday, 17th June 2025.
The chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko with the director-general of the Sports Commission, Honourable Bukola Olopade, were among the distinguished dignitaries who visited Babatunde during the marathon to cheer and motivate him.
Dikko, in a press statement signed by Mrs Kehinde Ajayi, director of press, NSC, remarked that the achievement exemplifies the true spirit of Nigerian youth, which is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently prioritised the capacity building of the nation’s young population.
“I am not surprised by this latest feat from another Nigerian youth, as our youthful population is among the most resilient, determined, and industrious in the world,” he stated. “I want to extend my special congratulations to him for putting Nigeria back on the world map as a pacesetter and history-maker in the creative industry.”
The director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, noted for his advocacy for youth development, hailed Tjosh as a history-maker who has paved the way for further record-breaking innovations from Nigerian youths.
“I am thrilled that Tjosh achieved this,” he said. “When he visited my office to inform me about his plans, I recognised a young man who was focused and determined to carve out his own path to greatness. That was why we approved his use of the Velodrome, and today we celebrate his remarkable achievement.”
