Breaking Barriers: O’Daniels’ Journey from Unilorin to World Record Attempt
By Olushola Adigun
Once a young dreamer with nothing but a microphone and a passion for radio, O’Daniels is now preparing to make global history as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Hosting a Radio Talk Show.
Set to begin on Thursday, June 26th and run until Monday, June 30th, 2025, the marathon broadcast will take place live on Hi-Impact 102.1FM, from the station’s studio at No. 32 Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos State.
What started as a humble journey through Unilorin Radio as a weather broadcaster and continued through NYSC has evolved into a movement — one that’s not just about airtime, but about legacy.
The inspiration for this bold feat traces back to a chance encounter on the bustling streets of Lagos. Caught in traffic, O’Daniels met two boys offering to clean his windshield. One of them, when asked about his dreams, quietly said, “My parents don’t have the funds,” while the other scoffed, “This one who doesn’t know anything says he wants to be a doctor.”
That moment struck a deep chord.
“Their words mirrored my own journey,” O’Daniels reflects. “I knew what it felt like to be counted out, to have big dreams with no clear path. That encounter reignited my commitment to use this mic not just to talk — but to uplift.”
Raised in Oshogbo, Osun State, O’Daniels once battled intense shyness and poor diction. But through the encouragement of a devoted teacher, Mr. Adediji, he began to find his voice — literally. That voice would later take him to the airwaves. Today, he hosts a 6-hour radio show every Saturday and Sunday, and a 4-hour show every Tuesday to Thursday on Hi-Impact 102.1FM, connecting with thousands through bold, insightful conversations.
His upcoming record attempt will span five days of non-stop talk radio, featuring community conversations, educational segments, health, fashion, pharmacology, mental health, cybersecurity, politics, social impact topics, and powerful storytelling.
“This is bigger than me,” says O’Daniels. “It’s about giving Nigerian radio the global recognition it deserves. It’s about showing the world what it means to dream in color, work with heart, and speak with purpose.”
This attempt is not just an individual milestone — it’s a cultural statement. In an era where Nigerian creatives continue to break barriers globally, this record bid places Nigerian radio in the world spotlight.
Supporters are invited to tune in live at www.hi-impactstudios.com, cheer from wherever they are, and follow the journey on social media via @odaniels_od. The event also welcomes sponsors, media partners, and fans to be part of a defining moment in African media history.
Let’s make history — for the mic, the movement, and the motherland.
