The Longest Edit-a-thon: Uniting Africa to Celebrate Heritage on Wikipedia

The Longest Edit-a-thon: Uniting Africa to Celebrate Heritage on Wikipedia

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Manuscript Marathoners, a pioneering team of writers and cultural advocates, are on the brink of making history with their ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the Longest Edit-a-thon.

Spearheaded by the visionary Amb. Daniel Ehis Aiguokhian, this extraordinary event is sponsored by Isatong Inc. (USA) and is firmly anchored in a mission to document Africa’s diverse cultural heritage on the world’s largest online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Taking place from November 23rd to 29th, 2024, at the Etaval Event Center, Marian Road, Calabar, the event is themed “Celebrating Africa’s Heritage on Wikipedia.”

Participants hailing from various states including Edo, Delta, Imo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Taraba, Kogi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and Abia are collaborating to document the continent’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and notable achievements.

The event, chaired by Engr. Isaac Udotong and supported by multi-Guinness World Record holder, Prof. Chris Imafidon, aims to bridge the gap in the global representation of African heritage.

By creating and enhancing articles about the continent’s historical landmarks and cultural practices, the Manuscript Marathoners seek to inspire pride in Africa’s accomplishments and foster unity among its diverse populations. In addition to setting a potential record for over 160 hours of non-stop editing, the event boasts a series of masterclasses focused on digital literacy, cultural preservation, and storytelling.

Interactive discussions and activities will also highlight Africa’s rich heritage, allowing participants to engage deeply with the content they are creating.

Amb. Daniel Ehis Aiguokhian emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is not just a record-breaking attempt but a movement to ensure Africa’s story is documented accurately and celebrated globally.

We’re building a digital legacy that generations will treasure.” Moreover, the Longest Edit-a-thon will have a charitable component; proceeds will support nominated charities, including orphanages, educational outreach programs, and youth empowerment initiatives.

This aligns with the broader mission of using digital literacy and content creation as tools for positive change across the continent. The Manuscript Marathoners warmly invite the global community to partake in this historic celebration of Africa’s heritage.

Updates, live coverage, and post-event highlights will be available for those wishing to witness this monumental occasion. For additional media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can reach out to Amb. Daniel Ehis Aiguokhian at manuscriptmarathoners@gmail.com or by phone at 08142992530.