Lisha Dachor, a 19-year-old from Plateau State, Nigeria, took on an extraordinary challenge: painting over 4,000 nails in just 72 hours. Using bright colors like blue, pink, and purple, she decorated hundreds of fingernails at an events center in her hometown.
Her three-day marathon ended on Wednesday with a tense finish. To potentially break the Guinness World Record (GWR), Dachor needed to paint 60 fingernails per hour while following GWR rules.
Now, she is waiting for GWR to review her submission.
Dachor’s motivation goes beyond personal glory; she wants to change how people see teenage mothers, like herself. “I want to inspire others, especially single mothers, because many people don’t believe we have much to offer,” she told the BBC.
With nearly three years of experience as a nail technician, Dachor also wants to highlight the talents of women from northern Nigeria.
She hopes her record attempt will bring attention to Plateau, her home state, which lies between Nigeria’s Muslim north and Christian south.
Although Plateau State is known for its beautiful landscapes, it has also struggled with insecurity and conflicts among different ethnic and religious groups.
Dachor hopes to challenge negative stereotypes by showcasing the positive aspects of her state. “People often judge Plateau by its problems,” she said. “But despite the ethnic issues, Plateau is a beautiful place
. I received support from all ethnic groups during this challenge.”
Dachor’s effort has not only brought attention to her skill and determination but also sparked conversations about the potential and resilience of young women in Nigeria, particularly those from underrepresented regions like Plateau State.
By attempting to break a world record, she has positioned herself as a role model for other young women who may feel limited by their circumstances.
Her challenge also highlights the unity that can be found in diversity. Despite the ethnic and religious tensions in Plateau State, Dachor’s record attempt received widespread support from various communities, showing that people can come together for a common cause.
As she waits for the official confirmation from Guinness World Records, Dachor remains hopeful that her achievement will inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
She believes that her story can encourage other young mothers and women from northern Nigeria to realize their potential and make a positive impact in their communities.
In the meantime, Lisha Dachor’s remarkable feat has already made her a local hero in Plateau State. Whether or not she officially breaks the world record, her determination and the message she carries have already set her apart as a symbol of hope and perseverance.