The Ekiti traditional chief and community leader said he is eyeing 120 hours to set a new record as against the 94 hours set in 2016 by the present GWR holder in the category, Fragoso, a web developer from Tokyo in New York.
Atofarati, in a statement on Wednesday titled ‘Why I am attempting GWR, Atofarati’, said, “I have resolved to commence the challenge on Wednesday, 27 December 2023. It will start at exactly 1 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, and will end at exactly 1 am on Monday, 1 January, 2024 in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.”
The Ekiti chief said that an important aspect of the exercise, watching television at home throughout and not going out for work, community engagement, and social activities, especially during a festive season would be bonding with the family.
Expressing his readiness for the competition, Atofarati said, “During this exercise, myself and my team will accommodate every criticism and will take cognisance of every opinion both for and against, for personal development.
“More important to note is the fact that this exercise is not for fundraising. Therefore, myself or any of my team will never request monetary donations/assistance under any guise whether through social media, SMS, or voice call.
“During this time, my medical aids will be on the ground to ensure my medical stability. My concentration on the challenge will be live-streamed to provide a real-time assessment by the public.
“The Hashtag shall be #ChiefSanya and #GWRchiefsanya
“My team would be using the privilege to encourage younger acts. My digital studio will be open to volunteer producers, to record a free track each for 50 artists. Volunteer DJs can also join us on this endurance journey”.
Atofarati said, “To be registered as a record holder in the GWR is not procurable rather, it is a process of hard work and determination.
“I have lived over four decades on earth with an unending appetite for communal growth and development as a traditional Chief.
“Overtime, I have come to realise that the only difference between the developed and underdeveloped continents in the world is information.
“I will be using this avenue to raise awareness for information gathering and dissemination in Africa. If I win, it will afford me a global audience to further propagate the quality of a black man through the exhibition of personal crafts and encourage the younger generations.
“Prior to this time, not many people know that I hail from a town (Ilawe-Ekiti) where Banana grows like flowers and is one of the largest producers; not many people know that I am a farmer, a sculptor, an impressionist, a songwriter and more; but now they know.
“More interesting is that I got the GWR’s approval to submit evidence at a time the world is celebrating Christmas and New Year festivals when there is less work on the tables; but a time to bond and merry with families and friends,” he stated.
