For the CEO of 6chi crocheting brand, Chidinma Modupe Okafor, bringing Nigeria to limelight through her recently concluded 72-hour marathon in crocheting was purely based on showcasing Africa’s creativity, tenacity to succeed and would ultimately unlock the crocheting industry.

Interestingly, Okafor has been crocheting right from her teenage years, but professionally for two years now.

At a press conference, held in Lagos recently, Okafor expressed optimism that having uploaded necessary files and videos, the much anticipated Guinness World Record would be announced soon. According to her, “it is a huge file that we have uploaded.”

“I actually decided to go into Guinness World Record because I want to showcase Africa in the area of crafts, and showcase what Africa has, especially in Nigeria, and showcase the skills. Alexandra Hayden from the US is the last person to do this, which took her four hours and seven minutes.

“And she made blankets and I felt since then that I can make blankets, shoes and anything else to think of. While trying to showcase what we can do as Nigerians, I also saw it as a means of reaching out to other people who are actually trying to come out to the limelight, who might be feeling I can’t do anything, because, in Africa or less generally, we believe that once there is no money, your dream cannot come true,” she added.

Having overcome several challenges encountered during the marathon process, she said, “While thinking of going for this Guinness World Record, I had challenges with convincing people to actually believe in me. They believe you should have been a celebrity. You should be well-known. You should have a name or a status for you to get the needed support.”

The University of Nigeria (UNN) English Education graduate stated that she also had the challenge of getting a venue. At a point, I met a person and it was looking like I was having headway, but later on, I got a very negative response which would have been a reason for me to give up on the dream, while some were unaffordable.” (THISDAY)

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