Hilda Effiong Bassey popularly known as Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef, recently made headlines for her incredible feat of cooking non-stop for 100hrs to set a new Guinness World Record.
The attempt began on May 12th, 2023, and concluded on May 15th, 2023. The previous record for the longest individual cooking marathon was held by India’s Lata Tondon for 87hrs 45mins surpassing Rickey Lumpkin’s 68hrs from the United States.
Hilda’s attempt was not only a test of her cooking skills but also her physical and mental endurance. She cooked over 100 dishes during the marathon, which included Nigerian delicacies and international cuisines.
Chef Sunny, her assistant, helped her throughout the process, but Baci was the sole cook for the entire duration.
This picture makes me emotional and proud at the same time,watched all the times Hilda gt exhausted and something that sunny whispers into her ears Jxt gts her back on her feet,everybody needs a Sunny in their lives.congratulations to Hilda and Sunny – a Nigerian tweeted of Sunny’s support
Her mother, who is also a chef and the owner of Calabar Pot, was a significant source of support throughout the marathon. She helped with menu planning and preparation, ensuring that Baci had everything she needed to keep going. Nigerian celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Charles Okocha, Dremo, and Enioluwa also showed their support live for Hilda including messages of encouragement on social media.
The media also played a significant role in promoting Hilda’s attempt. Several news outlets covered the story, and social media was filled with messages of support and admiration for her achievement. Lagosians also came out in large numbers to witness the event, with many expressing their appreciation for Baci’s dedication and hard work on social media:
“We have followed your record smashing achievement with great interest and admire your undeniable determination, perseverance and grit – character traits we believe embodies the Nigerian spirit.”
“I extend my sincerest congratulations to Hilda for her remarkable achievement. This serves as evidence of what we can achieve with unwavering determination and tenacity. She is an inspiration, and we applaud her on this momentous milestone.”
Hilda Baci’s recent attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon was also an incredible move to put Nigerian food on the map. Her physical and mental endurance, coupled with her culinary skills, were on full display for the world to see.
The support she received from her mother, assistant, Nigerian celebrities, media, and Africans at large only added to the significance of her accomplishment. She has undoubtedly set a new standard for cooking marathons, and her feat will be remembered for years to come.
“The more (Nigerian) recipes are propagated, the more people will be willing to try it. Nigerian food is such comfort food,” she tells CNN Africa.
By Elijah Christopher
