David, also a medical doctor, said his 1 050 square metre  "Unity in Diversity" artwork showing two giant hands holding Nigeria's map was meant to showcase the country's cultural heritage.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is made up of about 250 ethnic groups, split roughly equally between Muslims and Christians, with ethnic frictions common.

Our diversity should be seen as something that unites us, as something that strengthens us, rather than something that should create that divide between us," David said after completing his work this Sunday.

The Guinness World Record body has been informed and will need to certify his work if he is to surpass the record set in 2021 by Indian artist, Ravi Soni, who drew a 629. 8 square metre piece.

--Reuters--