100 hours ‘Cry-A-Thon’: Nigerian man goes blind while attempting to break world record

A Nigerian man, in his attempt to cry for 100 hours over a week as part of a Guinness World Record attempt, has temporarily gone blind for his efforts, as per the BBC.

The man, who has been identified as Tembu Ebere, is a self-described comedian as per his Facebook and TikTok handle where he goes by the moniker ‘237 Towncryer’. Ebere has been streaming regular videos on his Facebook and TikTok accounts, where he can be seen wailing beside a running timer. In his latest videos, the timer can be seen running over five hours.

“Send me your troubles, I’ll cry for you,” Ebere told his TikTok followers.

Swelling, headache, blindness: Nigerian man suffers during ‘Cry-A-Thon’ attempt

During this rather herculean task, Ebere has suffered several physical problems, including severe headaches, a swollen face, puffed eyes, and going partially blind for 45 minutes.

However, that has not deterred ‘Towncryer’, who is determined to see through his challenge, saying, “I had to restrategise and reduce my wailing.”

Whether his attempt will have any official recognition is another thing, as Ebere told his Facebook followers that since he could not pay US$ 14,000 (almost ₹12 lakh) to invite the Guinness judges, the company has reportedly refused to monitor his attempt.

“I will complete the 100hrs regardless,” Ebere wrote on Facebook.

However, former Nigerian lawmaker Senator Shehu Shani has called such ‘attempts’ into question, imploring the Guinness authorities to check the participant’s medical records and moral reasoning.

“The Guinness World Records group should demand for the medical records of its intending participants,in view of the extreme pressure and stress candidates subject themselves for the purpose of the record trophy. The risks for record shouldn’t ignore health concerns. @GWR should disqualify persons not medically or mentally fit for such risky adventures. This is also a moral and ethical issue. The report of a Nigerian who cried himself to blindness should be the reason for the needed health and mental check before participation. @GWR shouldn’t be a suicidal platform for records,” the Senator wrote.