British-Nigerian shoe designer Liz Sanya has successfully set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for creating the largest sandal in the world. The monumental pink clog, which was crafted in just 72 hours, measures an impressive 3.156 meters (10ft 4.2 inches) in width and 8.147 meters (26ft 8.8 inches) in length.

The attempt took place at Pixel Park in Lekki, Lagos, from January 2 to 4, 2025, with Sanya working relentlessly to bring her vision to life. The event was well-attended by several notable Nigerian celebrities, including Pheelz, Mayorkun, Korty EO, and P.Prime, who cheered on the designer in her ambitious quest.

“I’ll never be able to put into words what any of this means to me. None of this has been possible without the support and compassion of the people who believe in my vision,” Sanya said after completing the world record attempt.

An Inspirational Return to Nigeria

What makes Sanya’s feat even more special is her connection to Nigeria, the country of her roots. Born in Ibadan and inspired by the bustling, creative energy of Lagos, Sanya chose to attempt her record-breaking design right here in Nigeria, a decision she says was a testament to her journey and vision.

“The spirit of Lagos and my upbringing in Ibadan gave me the strength to go for this challenge. I wanted to come home and show the world that Nigeria is where greatness begins. One world record, within 72 hours,” Sanya said.

The Competition: Municipio De Sahauyo’s Record

Before Sanya’s attempt, the current record for the largest sandal was held by a group of artisans from Municipio De Sahauyo, who built a sandal measuring 7.45 meters (24ft 5.31 inches) long and 3.09 meters (10ft 1.65 inches) wide. Sanya’s new record surpasses this by nearly a meter, securing her place in the world record books.

Opinion: A Proud Moment for Nigerian Creativity

Liz Sanya’s remarkable achievement is a reflection of the boundless creativity and resilience that Nigeria is known for. By choosing to make history in her homeland, Sanya has not only set a new world record but has also showcased the potential of Nigerian talent on the global stage. Her achievement is an inspiration to aspiring designers and innovators, demonstrating that no dream is too big when paired with hard work and determination.

Her successful world record attempt is a moment of national pride, reminding us all that greatness can come from anywhere, and for Sanya, it came from the heart of Nigeria. This accomplishment serves as a testament to the fact that Nigerian talent, passion, and ingenuity have no limits.

As she reflects on her success, one thing is clear: Liz Sanya has proven that creativity and ambition can take you anywhere— even into the Guinness World Records.