Emmanuel lkpeama
OTO-AWORI LCDA, LAGOS — Excitement, celebration and pride filled Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) as Lagos-based barber and hairstylist, Ikechukwu Damilola, successfully completed a grueling 120-hour hairdressing and barbing marathon, marking the end of his attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest hairdressing marathon.
The six-day endurance challenge, which began on June 10 and concluded on June 15, 2026, attracted hundreds of supporters, residents, political leaders, religious figures, youth groups, business owners and well-wishers who gathered daily to encourage the young hairstylist as he pursued his dream of global recognition.
The atmosphere at the venue erupted into jubilation as Damilola crossed the 120-hour mark, ending an extraordinary journey that tested his physical strength, mental resilience and professional skill.
Speaking shortly after the completion of the marathon, the Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, Hon. Kareem Azeez Abiodun, described the achievement as a victory not only for Damilola but for the entire Oto-Awori community and Lagos State.
According to the Chairman, supporting talented young people remains one of the priorities of his administration.
“This is a dream gradually becoming a reality.
Whenever we see any young person willing to showcase his or her talent, we will always stand by them.
When Damilola told me he wanted to attempt 120 hours, I honestly wondered if it was possible.
But he believed in himself, and we assured him of our support from the very beginning,” he said.
Hon. Kareem revealed that the council provided the necessary support throughout the challenge and remained present from the first minute of the marathon until its completion.
“Personally, I doubted how someone could stand for 120 hours cutting hair and carrying out hairdressing activities continuously.
But today, I have seen that when passion meets determination, nothing is impossible.
I feel proud and happy because this achievement proves that our youths can compete with the best in the world,” he added.
The Chairman noted that Damilola’s accomplishment reflects the creativity, resilience and innovative spirit of Nigerian youths and demonstrates the importance of vocational skills and entrepreneurship.
He reiterated the council’s commitment to youth development through various empowerment initiatives, including the skill acquisition centre in Ijanikin, where several vocational programmes have been introduced to equip young people with practical skills.
“Jobs may be difficult to come by, but when young people acquire skills and build careers around their talents, they create opportunities not only for themselves but for others. Oto-Awori LCDA will continue to support initiatives that help our youths realise their dreams,” he said.
The Chairman also disclosed that plans are already being considered to further support Damilola following the successful completion of the challenge.
“If we can support him this far, certainly there are plans ahead.
This should be a stepping stone to even greater achievements for him,” he stated.
Observers at the venue described the marathon as more than a record attempt, noting that it evolved into a community movement that united people from different backgrounds behind a common goal.
Residents, artisans, students and youth groups took turns visiting the venue throughout the six-day exercise, creating an atmosphere of encouragement, solidarity and collective pride.
Many supporters said Damilola’s endurance demonstrated that vocational skills can serve as powerful tools for personal transformation and economic empowerment.
They noted that his determination challenged stereotypes about artisanship and highlighted the growing opportunities available within Nigeria’s creative and vocational sectors.
For Damilola, the successful completion of the marathon represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
Expressing gratitude to God, the Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, his family, friends and numerous supporters, he said the attempt was aimed not only at setting a world record but also at inspiring young Nigerians to pursue excellence.
“This journey has shown that with determination, discipline and support, dreams can become reality.
I hope my story encourages other young people to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions fearlessly,” he said.
The achievement drew commendations from several dignitaries and community leaders who visited the venue during the marathon.
Founder of Kingdom Family Church, Ijanikin, Bishop Oluruombi Ademola, described Damilola as a role model whose accomplishment has placed Olayasi and Ijanikin on the global map.
“Instead of wasting their lives on negative activities, young people can channel their energy into meaningful ventures.
Damilola has become a point of reference in this community.
Through this achievement, people across the world are hearing about Olayasi and Ijanikin. We are proud of him,” the cleric said.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Tourism and Chieftaincy Affairs in Oto-Awori LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Ramon Olunloyo, described the feat as a major boost to the image of the council.
“Damilola has shown the world that Oto-Awori is home to talented and determined youths. He has become a positive example for young people across Lagos and Nigeria,” he said.
Veteran community leader and APC chieftain, Mr. Bola ICA Oyedele (DVD), praised both Damilola and the council chairman for making the dream a reality.
“Our youths possess enormous potential. Sometimes, all they need is encouragement and support.
The Chairman deserves commendation for standing firmly behind this young man.
This achievement should inspire many more youths to discover and develop their talents,”
he stated.
Similarly, former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ojo Constituency II, Hon. Sadiq Abayomi, described the achievement as proof that young people can attain international recognition through vocational skills and determination.
“Not everyone will become a politician or civil servant.
Damilola is an artisan, yet he is competing on the global stage.
His success shows that if you can dream it, you can achieve it,” he said.
Several youth leaders who attended the event said the marathon had become a source of inspiration for young people seeking alternatives to crime, drug abuse and other social vices.
According to them, Damilola’s success story reinforces the message that hard work, discipline and perseverance remain vital ingredients for success.
As news of the accomplishment spread across social media platforms, congratulatory messages poured in from Nigerians at home and abroad, with many describing Damilola as a symbol of resilience and a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and self-belief.
Throughout the six-day exercise, the venue received visits from notable personalities including the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, community stakeholders and corporate organisations.
For six unforgettable days, Damilola stood as a living symbol of determination, resilience and unwavering focus.
While the world now awaits the verdict of Guinness World Records, many residents believe the young barber has already achieved something equally important — proving that greatness can emerge from local communities and that ordinary individuals can accomplish extraordinary feats when supported by a united and encouraging society.
As celebrations continue across Oto-Awori LCDA, attention now shifts to the official verification process by Guinness World Records, which will determine whether Damilola’s attempt satisfies all requirements for recognition.
