Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has hailed Nigerian visual artist, Dr. Fola David for setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by an Individual.
David on Sunday surpassed the former Guinness World Record of 629.98 square metres for the largest drawing previously held by Ravi Soni from India.
The medical doctor reached his ultimate goal of 1,000 square metres of art at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on the sixth day of his attempt.
Sanwo-Olu reacting to the Guinness World Record feat of David on Monday praised the medical doctor, saying he has been a beacon of excellence and service.
“From the challenging days of the pandemic where he was a #COVID19 hero at our Onikan Isolation Centre to breaking world records at our Onikan Stadium (Mobolaji Johnson Arena), Dr. Fola David has been a beacon of excellence and service,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“Congratulations on creating the world’s largest hand-drawing by an individual, ‘Unity in Diversity.’ Lagos is proud!
“We are happy to have supported this record-breaking feat to showcase the extraordinary talents within our state. Your dedication and creativity inspire us all. Continue to dream big and do audacious things, Dr @foladavidart.”
David’s s achievement had earlier drawn praises from eminent Nigerians such as the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi who posted a statement on Saturday.
“Finally on Friday, I stopped by Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) to identify with and support a vibrant and creative young Nigerian, who is also a medical Doctor @foladavidart, currently embarking on the world’s largest drawing by an individual,” Obi wrote on X.
“This demonstration of creativity with cause is one I am compelled to support. The strength of Nigeria is in its youthful population, which I believe should be harnessed.
“Not only is this brilliant young man demonstrating his capacity, he is showcasing to the world that Nigeria has a wide spectrum of brilliant and dynamic young people, who can achieve anything they set their minds to accomplish, whilst doing so for the pride and delight of our beloved country.
“I visited him around 5 pm, and by 9 pm yesterday, he was reported to have broken the previous record and still going! I congratulate him for taking this bold step, for shinning with his talents on the global stage and for bringing honour to our nation.”
Obi said the citizens’ commitment to the New Nigeria where more youths will become even more productive, in all sectors, remains unwavering.
Also on Friday, some Senior Special Assistant (SSAs) to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited David, after embarking on a historic move to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by an individual.
According to Jubril Gawat who is a Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Sanwo-Olu, David’s drawing is tagged: “Unity in Diversity,” which will showcase a detailed map of Nigeria, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of its diverse tribes through their unique attire, languages, art and essence.
