By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, congratulated Mr Godwin Chika for setting a Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, which lasted 200 hours and 40 minutes, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, from April 3 to 12, 2024. He remarked that Anambra is blessed with exceptional individuals around the world excelling in various disciplines.
Onyenji made this statement upon receiving Mr Godwin Chika at his office in the Jerome Udorji Secretariat, Awka, where he came to present his award.
The commissioner expressed his admiration for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s love for art. “If you go round the state, you will see how much Mr Governor has invested in artworks, especially the artistic designs which include paintings, sculptures, and murals he created at the Solution Fun City, the New Government House, among other places.
“During our Art and Craft Exhibition in 2023, the Governor purchased numerous artworks. Therefore, I will attend the opening of your gallery in Awka,” Mr Onyenji promised.
In his speech, Mr Godwin Chika, an Awka-born visual artist and Guinness World Record holder for the longest painting, expressed his gratitude to the commissioner for the warm reception. He shared how delighted he was to achieve this milestone despite the challenges faced during the competition.
“I am grateful to God for reaching this great achievement. Despite the obstacles, I kept persevering and believing that I would succeed, and I did. I commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his remarkable efforts in promoting the arts through displays at the Solution Fun City and various other locations within the state.
“I will be launching my new art gallery with an exhibition titled “Aku Luo Uno, A mara Onye Kpatara ya” on November 16, this year, in Awka. This exhibition aims to preserve our culture from extinction. It will feature vintage radios, televisions, and other items, including the currency used during the civil war,” he added.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
