Nigerian artiste and medical doctor, Fola David-Tolaram, has set a new Guinness World Record with the largest drawing by an individual, spanning 1,004.7 square meters (10,814.5 square feet).
The artwork, titled The Unity of Diversity, was created at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, showcasing a vibrant representation of Nigeria’s rich cultural landscape.
David-Tolaram’s creation—a map-inspired design—celebrates Nigeria’s cultural diversity by incorporating elements from different regions, including traditional food, clothing, festivals, and music. His journey to achieving this world record began with extensive travel across Nigeria, allowing him to experience various cultures firsthand, an experience he describes as inspiring and instrumental to the artwork’s concept.
The record-breaking drawing took six days to complete, with David-Tolaram using waterproof markers on a 1,360-square-meter canvas. The setup process alone took two days, as the large canvas required meticulous assembly. Although initially overwhelmed by the scale of the project, David-Tolaram reported that once he began, his confidence grew, and he was spurred on by the support of spectators who gathered at the 5,000-seat stadium.
In a statement, David-Tolaram expressed his joy at the accomplishment: “Holding a Guinness World Records title is absolutely unbelievable. I grew up reading about world records and never thought that I would be a record title holder. I feel very honored, distinguished, and Officially Amazing.”
This achievement has placed David-Tolaram among a select group of Nigerians who have set global records, adding another source of pride for the nation and highlighting the unique talents emerging from Nigeria’s artistic and cultural landscape.
