Dr. Fola David-Tolaram, a Nigerian doctor and artist, has achieved a remarkable milestone by creating the world’s largest drawing by an individual, earning recognition from Guinness World Records. The massive artwork spans 1,004.7 m² (10,814.5 ft²)—equivalent to 3.8 tennis courts—and was crafted at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The masterpiece, titled The Unity of Diversity, celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, depicting the nation’s food, clothing, festivals, and music. Designed as a map of Nigeria, the artwork underscores the unity and distinctiveness of the country’s diverse traditions.
David-Tolaram undertook a journey across Nigeria to immerse himself in its various cultures, using these experiences as inspiration. The artwork, created over six days on a 1,360 m² canvas using waterproof markers, required an additional two days to set up the canvas. Initially apprehensive about the scale of the task, David-Tolaram overcame his fears once he began.
“The moment my marker touched the canvas, there was no going back. All the fear had gone away,” he said. Drawing strength from the electrifying support of spectators at the 5,000-seat stadium, he completed the record-breaking piece with confidence.
This achievement, which celebrates Nigeria’s unity in diversity, marks a significant moment in David-Tolaram’s career and is a proud recognition of the nation’s cultural richness. “Holding a Guinness World Records title is absolutely unbelievable. I feel very honoured, distinguished, and Officially Amazing,” he said.
