Keypoints:
- Mighty George on air for 105 hours
- Guinness World Records confirms feat
- Nigeria enters global broadcasting spotlight
A NIGERIAN broadcaster has entered the global spotlight after setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest-ever radio broadcast.
George Iniabasi Essien, popularly known as ‘Mighty George’, stayed on air for 105 hours nonstop. Guinness World Records confirmed the achievement this week.
The record-breaking feat was staged at Comfort 95.1 FM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, between April 27 and May 1.
Celebrating 20 years on air
Essien, 43, said the marathon broadcast was a way to mark two decades in radio and to spotlight his state and country.
‘I wanted to celebrate 20 years in radio and put Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria on the world map. This is the first individual record set in Akwa Ibom State and the first Nigerian broadcasting record,’ he told Guinness World Records.
He was entitled to five minutes of rest per hour, but most of the time was spent speaking with guests and engaging listeners.
100 voices, endless conversations
During the attempt, Essien interviewed 80 guests in the studio and another 20 by phone. Conversations touched on sports, fashion, politics, governance and current affairs.
‘I felt an indescribable joy, fulfilment, and sense of achievement when I broke the record, especially as the first successful individual attempt in the state,’ he said.
He battled technical glitches, guest cancellations, fatigue and even an intruder who tried to disrupt the broadcast, but persevered until exhaustion forced him to stop at 105 hours.
Life behind the microphone
Essien has been with Comfort FM for eight years, serving as head of programmes and presenting the ‘Comfort Breakfast Fiesta’ each weekday morning. He also anchors sports shows and helps shape the station’s wider programming.
Beyond the studio, he is a voice actor and the stadium announcer for Nigeria’s national football team.
Although he originally set out to broadcast for 90 hours, he pressed on for 15 hours more, cementing his name in Guinness World Records and placing Akwa Ibom firmly on the map of global broadcasting achievements.
