Nigerian barber sets Guinness World Record, set to empower 37,000 youths

The African Civil Society Forum (ACSF) has unveiled Nigerian barber, Joshua Aiyenuro, popularly known as T-Jos Signature, as a new Guinness World Records holder for the longest professional barbing marathon—an achievement hailed as a milestone for skilled trades and youth inspiration in Nigeria.

Joshua set the record on February 2, 2026, after completing the marathon in Abuja. The forum described the feat as a powerful symbol of resilience, purpose and triumph over adversity.

According to the organisers, Joshua’s journey began in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, where he grew up amid difficult circumstances but chose to focus on honing his craft. His commitment and discipline, they said, eventually earned him recognition as an official barber to the Super Eagles.

The road to global recognition, however, was marked by setbacks. A previous attempt saw him complete 154 hours of non-stop barbing, only to be disqualified over technicalities. Shortly after, he lost his mother—a personal tragedy he described as deeply painful.

Undeterred, Joshua regrouped, retrained and returned with renewed determination, culminating in the successful record-breaking attempt that has now placed him on the global stage.

“This record is not just a personal victory,” he said. “It is a statement about the dignity of labour, the value of skilled trades and what young Nigerians can achieve with focus and perseverance.”

Beyond the achievement, Joshua has launched a nationwide empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills. The programme targets 1,000 youths in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, translating to 37,000 beneficiaries nationwide.

The scheme will focus on professional barbing, hairdressing and tailoring, and is being developed in partnership with state governments, private sector stakeholders and philanthropists. Participants are expected to receive hands-on training, tools and starter packs to help them transition into self-reliance.

“We’re creating pathways to prosperity, one cut at a time,” Joshua said. “Our goal is to empower young people to break cycles of poverty, contribute to economic growth and become a force for positive change in Nigeria.”

Organisers said the initiative underscores how vocational skills, when properly supported, can drive employment, inclusion and national development.