In a significant endorsement of academic excellence, the Cross River State Government has pledged its full support for a bold Guinness World Record attempt by Miss Treasure Antigha, a 400-level Law undergraduate at the University of Calabar, and her crew. The record bid is for the longest debate marathon.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cobham, gave the assurance on Wednesday when Miss Treasure Antigha led her Treasure Global team on a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar.
Cobham confirmed that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu is fully committed to supporting the student's ambitious "Marathon Debate" project. The attempt, which seeks to break the existing record for the longest continuous debating session, is an exciting youth-driven initiative that deserves encouragement, he said.
The State's image maker emphasised that Governor Otu views such intellectual ventures as vital to the State's development. "Gov Otu will support any intellectual adventure embarked upon by any Cross Riverian, irrespective of their background," Cobham stated. "This administration is not just about infrastructure; it is about building a society that values critical thinking, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence."
He further assured that beyond the extensive media coverage his office would provide, the State Government would offer the necessary logistical and financial backing to ensure the attempt succeeds. "We have the human capital," he added. "Now, we are providing the platform."
Earlier, the team lead, Miss Treasure Antigha, congratulated the Commissioner on his recent redeployment to the Ministry and thanked him for the warm reception.
She promised to use the platform to promote intellectuality among the youth, steering them away from the negative vices often associated with their demographic.
According to Treasure, "We are currently preparing for a 48-hour debate marathon which will take place in Calabar, Cross River State. The aim is not only to attempt a Guinness World Records achievement but also to create a platform where young people can come together, share ideas, debate important issues and develop their confidence in public speaking and intellectual engagement."
She explained that the competition is scheduled to hold at the University of Calabar Conference Centre, commencing on 15th October 2026. Hosting the event at the University will provide an appropriate academic environment for the intellectual nature of the project, while also creating visibility for the initiative. "Through media coverage, student participation, content creation and public engagement, we aim to showcase the event, the University and Cross River State to a wider Nigerian and international audience before, during and after the 48-hour marathon," she added.
Treasure detailed that the activity would feature structured debate sessions supported by volunteers, timekeepers, medical and welfare teams, technical personnel, documentation teams and other members of the organising team. Students, young leaders, organisations, and members of the public will also be involved in various ways throughout the event.
She stressed that her vision extends beyond the record attempt: "After the marathon, I want the work to continue beyond the record attempt. The experience and platform created through the project will be used to encourage more young people to participate in intellectual activities, leadership and public speaking. It will also serve as a foundation for the Treasure Antigha National Debate 2027 and other youth-focused initiatives."
"For me, the most important thing is that the 48 hours should not just end as a record. I want it to leave something behind; confidence in young people, opportunities for them to use their voices, and a stronger culture of intellectual engagement," she added.
The Guinness World Record attempt is expected to put Cross River State on the global map for intellectual achievement. The record for the longest individual debate marathon involves speaking for extended periods on a single or rotating set of topics, with strict rules governing breaks and topic changes.
Treasure and her team aim to surpass the current record of 27 hours and 58 minutes, set on 23 October 2023 by the College Historical Society (The Hist) of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.
By Nakanda Iyadim
