Rivers State-born art prodigy, Olivia Lawson has concluded 168 hours in her attempt to set a new Guinness World Record in the longest painting marathon.
The new record will become official after the Guinness World Records approves it.
The marathon was organised under the aegis of Holiveah Paint-A-Thon, a seven-day non-stop painting marathon held at the Bonny Consulate in Bonny Island, Rivers State.
The Paint-A-Thon began about 2:00pm on Monday, July 21, 2025, ended about 3:00pm West African Time (WAT) on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Lawson was greeted at the finishing line by a massive celebration by residents of Bonny Island as she concluded her 168-hour milestone.
The celebration saw performances by the famous Abara Dance Troupe, pupils of Tamvina International School, Bonny, and students of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny.
Subject to the approval of the Guinness World Record, Lawson’s feat puts her on the verge of setting a new world record in the longest painting marathon.
Reacting to the development, a member of the Bonny Chiefs Council, Se-Alabo Abel Attoni described Olivia’s feat as “historical”, saying “it’s a proud moment for the entire Bonny Kingdom.
“First is to say it’s historical and it’s a proud moment not only for her but for the entire Bonny Kingdom. We have been making waves. You will recall that one of the best photographers we have in Nigeria, Jonathan Green, is from Bonny and his works are everywhere including the British museum.
“Now, we have somebody who is so fluid with her painting. From when she started it till date is not a mean feat. And I must say that we saw her dexterity, using both hands, left and right to paint. When she is tired, she switches to the other hand.”
“For me, it’s a moment of history and I am happy and glad that I witnessed it.”
He noted that Lawson’s achievement keys into the vision of the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom to position Bonny Island as a destination of choice for investment, tourism and arts.
“Undoubtedly, this feat of hers furthers the vision of the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom to project Bonny as a destination of choice for investment, tourism and art. This is the first event held in this Consulate after it was commissioned, and who gave the approval? His Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Bonny; King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI.
“He has always spoken about the Bonny-Dubai vision and the vision is made every infinitesimal moment. So, we cannot rule it out that there is that support and encouragement from the Amanyanabo and his Chiefs,” Attoni said.
In his reaction, community relations manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Samuel Hart commended Olivia Lawson for her bold ambition, noting that having taken this global challenge and succeeded at it, she is now an inspiration to other youths.
“Well, the simple way I can say this is it’s awesome for me. It’s very gratifying. We’re very, very happy about it, you know why? This is one Bonny youth that has taken the bull by the horns, taken a bold decision and fought through it, and it’s not a mean feat.
“So, that is why you see most of us came to support her as much as we can, morally and every little way that people can support. I’ve been here a couple of times and we also decided that we will come here at the time she is ending it.
“We are here to cheer her and clap for her that she made us proud, she has taken Bonny to the world in another dimension; and I think she has become a role model to the youths, so that the youths can dare and they can dare to achieve”, Hart said.
