NIGERIA artist and medical doctor, Fola David, is vying for the Guinness World Record for the largest drawing by an individual after completing a massive artwork over six days in Lagos. The piece, titled Unity in Diversity, measures 1,050 square metres and features two giant hands holding Nigeria’s map, symbolising the country’s rich cultural heritage.
David’s artwork was created in a stadium in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital. The artist aims to highlight Nigeria’s diverse ethnic composition and promote unity among the nation’s approximately 250 ethnic groups, which are almost evenly split between Muslims and Christians.
‘Our diversity should be seen as something that unites us, as something that strengthens us, rather than something that should create that divide between us,’ David stated upon completing his work on Sunday night.
The Guinness World Record body has been notified and will need to certify David’s artwork to determine if it surpasses the current record. The existing record was set in 2021 by Indian artist Ravi Soni, whose drawing spanned 629.98 square meters.
David’s endeavour not only seeks to break a world record but also aims to convey a powerful message of unity and strength through diversity in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.
