GWR attempt-Ondo-born pedicurist undertakes 48-hour marathon to promote profession, break stereotypes

By Kanu Samuel

An Ondo-born pedicurist, Samuel Adebowale Oluwasanya, popularly known as Sam Pedicure, says his decision to undertake a 48-hour pedicure marathon was aimed at promoting the beauty industry and changing negative perceptions about men in the profession.

Oluwasanya said this in an interview in Akure following the completion of his Guinness World Record attempt, explaining that the initiative was also designed to showcase Ondo State and challenge himself to achieve something extraordinary.

The Anatomy graduate from FUOYE, Oluwasanya undertook the 48-hour marathon from October 29 to 31, 2026, at Njay Beauty Spa & Salon, located at Akure, Ondo State.

He said he had been practising pedicure for almost seven years but decided to embark on the marathon to move beyond the routine nature of his work and create something remarkable.

According to him, the initiative was driven by four major considerations: personal ambition, changing stereotypes, promoting Ondo State and testing his ability to achieve a challenging feat.

Oluwasanya said there was a widespread misconception that pedicure was predominantly a women’s profession, while men involved in it were often subjected to negative stereotypes.

He said he wanted to demonstrate that men could excel in the profession and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s beauty industry.

The pedicurist said the response from the public exceeded his expectations, adding that people turned out in large numbers throughout the three-day event.

He advised fellow pedicurists to prioritise professionalism, quality service delivery and proper branding to improve the image of the profession.

“Whatever you are doing, it is worth doing well. If you fail to provide the expected standard of service, it can affect the reputation of the entire profession,” he said.

Oluwasanya said he hoped the initiative would encourage more practitioners to take the profession seriously and contribute to raising standards in Nigeria’s beauty industry.

He said his mother hailed from Akunu in Akoko, while he had spent virtually all his life in Ondo State, which he described as the state that nurtured him.

He is the son of Olusanya Adeleke, from Epe, Lagos State, and Adubi Mercy, from Akunu Akoko, Ondo State.