More than 1,000 Lagos schoolchildren create giant fabric marbling painting in Guinness World Record attempt

More than 1,000 Lagos public school children joined Nigerian visual artist Fola David on Wednesday (11 November) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) on Lagos Island to create a fabric marbling painting measuring 150 square metres, in an attempt at the Guinness World Records title for the world's largest fabric marbling painting. The project, called “Colours of Possibility”, is backed by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

Deputy governor attends, stresses inclusive education

Lagos Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat joined the children at the event and said the state government is committed to inclusive education, teacher development and child protection, so that every child has the opportunity to discover and fulfil their potential. The children came from public and private schools, vocational centres and the wider community, including children with additional needs.

From a record of his own to a record with a thousand children

Fola David, a medical doctor as well as a visual artist, was recognised by Guinness World Records in July 2024 for the largest drawing by an individual, a 1,004.7-square-metre work called “Unity in Diversity” celebrating Nigeria's cultural diversity. The project also features a 10-million-naira Creative Fund, sponsored by 78MFB, to support children's creative development. The organisers stress this is a record “attempt”: Guinness World Records must assess it before any new title can be regarded as officially confirmed.

Sources: DoubleBee News, BusinessDay, Fola David.