Record-breaking Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong Baci, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has officially broken Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual after cooking for 100 hours, 40 minutes at the Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.
The position was formerly occupied by Lata Tondon from India in 2019 who cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, 00 seconds.
The Akwa-Ibom-born chef who had started cooking on Thursday at 4pm, Nigerian time when she turned on her cooker for the cook-a-thon competition had gone on to hit her initial 96-hour target only for her to go extra four hours, peaking at a new world record of 100 hours.
The Guinness World Records management will review the chef’s unprecedented feat before her name is officially inducted into the famous book that comprises a host of Nigerians with achievements in other categories.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rep Tolope Akande- Sadipe are among some of the dignitaries who have lauded her girs and grits.
Celebrities, clerics and other well-meaning Nigerians also came out both on social media and right at the venue to cheer on the celebrity chef to victory.
Credible News reports that the cook-a-thon required that the Chef prepares 80 recipes, which could be repetitive.
Celebrating her success, she posted on Twitter: “If e easy, run am! Now, we’re off to set a new record”.
Hilda, 27, is no stranger to breaking records as she won the maiden edition of the “Jollof Faceoff” competition held in August 2021.
She said the cook-a-thon journey which is one of her biggest aspiration started five years ago and “it is one of my biggest aspirations and I am glad that I took the bold stepto 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”.
The renowned food premier said this attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support.
Baci is the CEO and head chef of “Myfood by Hilda”, an event catering company located in Lagos, Nigeria. She has developed a reputation for providing delicious and healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients. She is also known for her innovating cooking techniques and creative presentation.
At 21, Hilda considered participating in the Guinness cook-a-thon but couldn’t due to finances. She soon came up with a plan to save enough for the competition.
Five years later, working a full-time job at a fashion retail company, alongside acting, presenting cooking TV shows, and hosting a talent show, MTN Yello Star in 2020, Hilda was finally ready to participate in the Guinness World Record cook-a-thon challenge.
Hilda, speaking on her preparation for the competition noted that she spent the last week resting a lot. “I’ll need all my strength to cook non-stop for four days. But last, I enjoy cooking, so I hope I’ll have fun with it”, she said.
Meanwhile, Representative Akande-Sadipe, has commended Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef, who has set her eyes on breaking Guinness World Record of longest cooking time.
The lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State, took to her social media handle to cheer the “foodpreneur” and actress, describing her as a brave champion.
Akande-Sadipe, showcasing her unwavering support for the brave chef, said her determination and incredible endurance was a testament to the remarkable strength and resilience that women possess.
“You have become a shining example of what women are truly capable of achieving. Your dedication to this extraordinary challenge inspires us all and reminds us that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we set our minds to it.
“Your commitment to pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations is truly commendable”, she said.
Akande-Sadipe urged women to continue cheering Bassey and wish her success. Coming together to recognize her remarkable achievements and the milestones she has already conquered.
“Bassey’s journey is not only about breaking records but also about empowering women across the globe, showcasing our talents, prowess, strength and resilience”, Akande-Sadipe said.
She affirmed her support for Bassey, saying she was proud to see a woman making significant impact in the society. Hilda’s determination serves as an inspiration to countless others, demonstrating that with dedication and perseverance, dreams become reality, she added.
“As a woman myself and in my capacity as a member of parliament and the chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, I stand firmly behind you.
“I am proud to see a fellow Nigerian woman making such a significant impact. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you every step of the way as you continue this incredible feat.
“May your spirit remain strong, and may you find renewed energy during your well-deserved six-hour break”, she said.
She expressed hopes that the chef will make more history and achieve her dream of setting a new Guinness record.
She added that her journey is a beacon of hope and empowerment for women everywhere, encouraging her to keep pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and reminding the world of the incredible power women possess.
