Abuja: Mr Aiyenuro Joshua, of the T-Jos Signature Nigeria, has declared his intention to set a world record in the Guinness Book for the longest haircut in the world. The barbing marathon has been scheduled to hold from June 10 to June 17 at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Joshua, who is an official barber of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by the leadership of the African Civil Society Forum (AFRICSOF) in collaboration with T-Jos Signature. The President of AFRICSOF, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, stated that achieving such a feat would go beyond personal glory as it would bring honour to the country.
'As in all forms of sports globally, the benefits of achieving a world record extend far beyond financial gains and fame for the individual holder; it is now a thing of national glory for countries, giving the country of the record holder more visibility, audibility, acceptability, and authority,' Akinlosotu explained.
AFRICSOF sees the need to intentionally and purposefully promote this venture, which aims to promote and manage a young and talented African with aspirations of setting a world record in the Guinness Book for the Longest Haircut in the World. The record would not only push young Joshua to global limelight and empowerment but also reposition him as a viable tool for generating consciousness for skills revolution in Africa, especially in Nigeria.
Akinlosotu noted the continent's wealth in young population, strength, resilience, and high survival instinct, highlighting the challenge that only a few Africans hold Guinness Book records. Out of the 60,000 record holders as of 2022, Nigeria has less than 50, prompting AFRICSOF's commitment to this project.
Efforts are being made beyond the initial record-setting phase to design and implement projects that would break skill acquisition records in Africa. Campaigns aim to challenge low self-esteem and poor self-actualisation among African youth, confronting social vices like drug abuse, illegal migration, and internet crime.
The public, private sectors, and all well-meaning Nigerians and Africans are urged to support AFRICSOF in achieving this dream for Joshua and the continent. The media is called upon to promote the event, while religious establishments are encouraged to view the project as aligning with the divine mandate of Human Character Building and National Transformation.
The initiative has already garnered endorsements from celebrities, superstars, and relevant establishments, with a call for more support to ensure the success of the project. Joshua expressed his ambition to benefit youths nationwide by imparting barbing skills to young people in each state of the country.