By; Ayo Ojedokun, Lagos.
Arrangement has been concluded by Rafiu Oladipo Foundation for a successful hosting of Guinness Book of World Records for traveling the farthest distance balancing the ball on the head expected to hold in Lagos on March 6.
A Nigerian, Chinedu, a professional footballer based in Cambodia will on that day; try to erase the record set by Indian soldier, Naib Subedar Azad Singh who in 2014 travelled a distance of 45.64 km to break the previous record set by Abdul Halim of Bangladesh who travelled a distance of 15.2 km on October 22, 2011.
To break the record, he is expected to start his journey from kilometer 46, Lagos- Ibadan express road and terminate it at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo noted that the body is organizing the event to put Nigeria on the world map even as he announced that the foundation is in close contact with the Guinness Book of World Records office in London which has promised to send representatives that will authenticate the record.
“The foundation is organizing the event to help a young Nigerian achieve his aim of putting the name of the country on the world map. He will start the journey from the Redeemed camp and terminate it at the National Stadium, Surulere and by the time he gets to the old Lagos toll gate, he must have traveled 46 kilometer to break the record.
“We are also in contact with officials of the Guinness Book of World Records who have not only given us the guidelines of the event but have also promised to be in Nigeria to supervise and authenticate the record.”
According to him, a government registered Surveyor has also been contacted to measure the distance just as he announced that arrangement has been made with the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency to provide security on that day.
Ladipo who also doubles as President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, while commending one of the biggest sports betting company in the country, Bet9ja for sponsoring the event and Lagos State Government for the interest shown to be part of the history making event, expressed confidence that Harrison will break the record.
Harrison noted that he is confident of breaking the record because he has trekked the distance on three occasions as part of his preparations as well as trekked around Lagos with the ball balanced on his head.
