Nigerians Cheer As Hilda Baci Inches Closer To Guinness World Cooking Record

Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, recently embarked on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for longest cooking time by an individual.

Baci is no stranger to breaking records as she won the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition held back in August 2021.

An Indian chef, Lata Tondon currently holds the world’s longest cooking marathon and she completed the task in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs in Rewa, India in 2019.

Baci started her 4-day cooking marathon challenge on the 11th of May at the Amore Gardens, and she is now fast approaching the finish line. The 27-year-old has already cooked for 70 hours and has 24 more hours to go.

On why she embarked on the task, Baci said it is one of her biggest aspirations, adding that it is also an opportunity to tell some positive stories from Africa through the meals that we eat.

“The journey to the cook-a-thon started five years ago. It is one of my biggest aspirations and I am glad that I took the bold step to embark on this adventure. I have taken time to prepare for this psychologically and I am proud to finally take on this challenge.”

“The cook-a-thon is also an opportunity to tell some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that we make.”

“This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat,” she said.

Nigeria’s President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, showed his support for the young Akwa-Ibom indigene in an Instagram live video on Sunday with a caption, “IDAN doesn’t break, she breaks records. We’re rooting for you, Hilda.”

The screenshot of the Instagram Live where the chef was seen cooking was shared on Tinubu’s Instagram story.

Present on Sunday at the venue of the cook-a-thon was the governor of Lagos State, Babjide Sanwo-Olu.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagosians are proud of Baci for embarking on the journey in the state and promised to follow the update until the final declaration.

“Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but also the resilience, determination, energy and team spirit that has come to be known as the spirit of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is truly remarkable,” Sanwo-Olu added.