Chief Minister David Sengeh has congratulated Mary Yongai, a young Sierra Leonean who made history as the first individual from Sierra Leone to win a Guinness World Record.

Yongai, a final-year student at Fourah Bay College and an alumna of Methodist Girls High School, recently broke a 19-year record for the most make-ups done in 24 hours.

In a message shared by the Chief Minister, he celebrated Yongai’s remarkable achievement, highlighting the significance of her determination and resourcefulness.

Sengeh, reflecting on his meeting with Yongai, praised her for her inspiring story and extraordinary vision.

“Mary Yongai is Sierra Leone’s first individual winner of a Guinness World Record. She’s just an everyday girl, a final-year student who may sit next to you on a Waka Fine ride, but her story is far from ordinary,” Sengeh remarked.

Yongai’s journey began with a dream to set a world record. She researched the process online, applied using her phone, and prepared with the help of two friends. With minimal resources but maximum dedication, she captured the evidence of her achievement using simple cameras.

After overcoming several challenges, including slow network connectivity to upload the required data, she successfully secured her record with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and UBA.

Sengeh noted that the President himself had congratulated Yongai on X (formerly Twitter), adding to the recognition of her extraordinary feat.

This acknowledgment motivated Yongai to find a way to meet with the Chief Minister. Her persistence paid off when she secured an appointment to share her inspiring journey with him.

Yongai’s vision goes beyond her personal achievement. She aims to inspire other young Sierra Leoneans to focus on education and job-creating skills, aligning with the government’s agenda of radical inclusion and youth empowerment.

“Her vision is extraordinary. She wants to inspire more youths to engage in education and earn job-creating skills. She and her team of inspiring young women embody why President Bio prioritizes education and skills development,” Sengeh emphasized.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Yongai for her perseverance and for becoming a role model for young people in Sierra Leone.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting youths in their pursuit of education and opportunities, stating that Yongai’s story is a testament to the country’s potential.

“Thank you, Mary, for inspiring all of us. We are encouraged to go for the next world record, and #WeWillDeliver,” Sengeh concluded.