Nigerian doctor and artist Fola David-Tolaram has set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drawing by an individual, spanning 1,004.7 m². His artwork, The Unity of Diversity, celebrates Nigeria's culture and was completed in six days at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Dr. Fola David-Tolaram, a Nigerian doctor and artist, has set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest drawing by an individual. His creation, titled The Unity of Diversity, covers a vast area of 1,004.7 m² (10,814.5 ft²) and was drawn at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The artwork, which celebrates Nigeria's rich cultural heritage, took six days to complete, with David-Tolaram using a 1,360 m² canvas and waterproof markers. The doctor, who has been practicing art professionally for a decade, described his creation as a "map of Nigeria" that reflects the country's diverse cultures. He traveled across Nigeria to immerse himself in various cultural elements, which served as inspiration for the artwork.
David-Tolaram began working on the piece at the center of the canvas, originally planning to draw in a circular pattern, but later adjusted his technique as he progressed. The project was a challenging yet exhilarating experience, drawing large crowds to the stadium, where spectators cheered him on throughout the six-day endeavor.
Reflecting on the significance of his achievement, David-Tolaram shared how surreal it felt to hold a Guinness World Record title. “I grew up reading about world records and never imagined I’d be a title holder. It’s unbelievable,” he said. This historic feat marks a major milestone in his artistic journey and brings global recognition to his talent.