For press freedom, journalist seeks record-breaking 72-hour interview marathon

 

 Livinus Chibuike Victor, a journalist based in Abuja, plans to conduct a marathon interview for 72 hours to advocate for press freedom in Nigeria. The historic attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest interviewing marathon with the theme "Nigeria our strength" is scheduled to take place at Harrow Park Golf Club, off Ahmadu Bello Way, behind Abia House in the CBD of Abuja, from April 17 to April 20, 2025.

Victor said that journalists continue to carry out their mission with courage and integrity despite increasing threats to press freedom worldwide, including censorship, harassment, and violence, when he spoke to newsmen on Thursday about the marathon at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council. 

He said that journalists are the backbone of democracy and the guardians of the truth, that their role in promoting transparency, challenging authority, and giving the voiceless a voice cannot be overstated. He claims that journalists have continued to uphold the fundamental values of truth and accountability in the face of increasing global pressures, such as media censorship and targeted attacks on reporters. “As misinformation spreads and trust in institutions wavers, professional journalism remains a vital defense against disinformation and manipulation,” he said

 Victor emphasized the need to safeguard press freedom, make investments in high-quality journalism, put an end to harassment of media professionals, and acknowledge that journalists are essential to the establishment and maintenance of open societies. He said the strength of any democracy lies in how empowered its press is, stressing that where journalists are free and protected, the people are better informed, and society is stronger.

 Victor declared, "I am proud to announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon tagged 'Nigeria Our Strength,' as the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values." He said the initiative is more than a personal milestone—it is a symbolic and collective act to draw national and international attention to the centrality of a free press in a thriving democracy.

 “The record attempt aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable,” Victor stated.  “In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.”

 He noted that the world cannot afford a future where journalists are silenced, intimidated, or killed for doing their job.  He added that the record-breaking attempt is his contribution to the broader call for respect, safety, and dignity for journalists in Nigeria and globally.

 “Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible,” he said.  “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.”

 According to him, the Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of engaging and thought-provoking interviews with notable individuals from diverse sectors, reflecting on national development, media ethics, civic responsibility, and freedom of expression.

 He said the event will also include discussions on the challenges and prospects facing the Nigerian media industry, spotlighting the courage and resilience of practitioners who continue to work under difficult and, at times, dangerous circumstances.

 Victor called on members of the public, media professionals, civic leaders, and advocates of democracy to be part of the experience by supporting and witnessing the event as it unfolds over the course of three inspiring days.

 He thanked the NUJ FCT Council for its support and called for more collaboration across the media, civil society, and governance sectors to safeguard press freedom and deepen the culture of accountability in the country.

 “This is our story to tell,” he concluded.  “It is our voice to raise.  It is our democracy to defend.  Furthermore, the time is now. In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, praised the initiative as timely and courageous, describing it as a bold reflection of the enduring power of journalism to inform, educate, and drive societal progress.

 Delivering a speech titled ‘Press Freedom: The Foundation of Democracy’, Comrade Ike said the 72-hour interview marathon is more than just a showcase of physical endurance but a meaningful platform to amplify the voices of journalists on issues that matter globally.

 “This initiative is more than a showcase of endurance; it is a platform to amplify the voice of the media across the globe on issues that matter deeply to all of us,” she said.

 Ike reiterated that press freedom, media enhancement, and the resilience of journalists remain central to the work of the union and must be upheld as non-negotiable values in any democratic society.

 “Press freedom is not a privilege—it is a fundamental pillar of democracy.  Protecting this freedom is our collective responsibility as journalists, policymakers, and citizens of the world,” she said.

 She lamented the increasing threats to journalists worldwide, including censorship, harassment, intimidation, and even death. She asserts that these dangers not only impede journalists' ability to report the truth but also directly threaten democratic structures. “Through this 72-hour interview marathon, we aim to spotlight these issues and advocate for stronger protections for journalists in every corner of the world,” she said.

  In any society that aspires to justice, accountability, and equality, "press freedom must be non-negotiable." In light of the rapid advancement of technology, the NUJ FCT Chairperson also mentioned the urgent requirement for media enhancement. She cautioned against the dangers of misinformation, fake news, and the declining public trust in the media while acknowledging the advantages of digital innovation. She stated, "As journalists, we must embrace innovation while firmly adhering to the ethical standards that define our profession," and she added that capacity building and training are essential for the media's continued relevance and credibility. She expressed pride in the NUJ FCT Council’s commitment to providing opportunities for professional development and assured that under her leadership, capacity enhancement would remain a top priority.

 On journalists’ welfare, Comrade Ike issued a strong call to action.  She made the observation that a lot of journalists work in dangerous and harsh environments without adequate compensation or job security, and that these realities put the profession's long-term viability in jeopardy. “If we are to continue holding the powerful accountable, we must advocate for better welfare for journalists everywhere,” she said.  "I hope this event will bring attention to the need for all media practitioners to receive fair compensation, adequate training, and professional safety." She described the 72-hour marathon as not just a local event, but a global dialogue involving thought leaders, policymakers, and the public on issues that cut across borders—from governance and climate change to human rights and education.

 Let this also be a time of growth and reflection for the media. We must work harder to earn trust, listen to diverse voices, and tell stories that inspire change,” she added.

 Ike, who is the first female Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, said that the event offers an opportunity to break barriers, redefine narratives, and build a lasting legacy for future generations of journalists. She also expressed personal pride in the symbolic power of the event. We encourage FCT members to actively participate in this historic endeavor. 

Your contribution is important, whether you are an interviewer or a member of our audience. She stated, "We can use the power of the media together to create a world that is freer, more informed, and more equitable." "Let the 72-hour interview marathon be a turning point for society as a whole and the media." Long live press freedom.  The Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT Council will continue to exist. In attendance at the briefing also were the Vice Chairman, NUJ FCT, Mr.  Yahaya Ndambabo, the Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, and the Treasurer, Sandra Udeike, who also commended Victor and made their case for the need to protect press freedom in the country.