Nigerian gourmet chef and entrepreneur, Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci has now beat the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual and is now on the way to setting a new personal record.
She beat the previous Guinness World Record of 87 hours 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon, an Indian chef who made the feat in Rewa, India in 2019.
Being no stranger to the spotlight Hilda Baci has been active in the culinary and restaurant business for a few years having won the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition held back in August 2021 where she walked away with a grand price of $5,000.
The 27 year old chef hails from Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria and has been able to build a successful brand known as Myfoodbyhilda. She is also a Food Vlogger and has a sizable following on YouTube and social media. Her innovative cooking techniques and creative presentation also earned her a cooking TV show “In my Kitchen” on Rave TV’s breakfast show, Morning Rave. She was also the host of “Dine on A Budget” on Pop Central TV where she entertains celebrities and guests to a good dining experience.
She is not only a gifted gourmet chef but has also showcased excellent acting skills in various movies and soap operas, including Dream Chaser, which was nominated for Best Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Chef Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record Bid Hilda Baci announced the event in April, across all social media platforms and it was heavily publicized, the event which began on the 11th of May at the Amore Gardens Lekki, Lagos State
has drawn lots of support from Nigerians and Africans across the world and like wildfire Nigerians have flocked to the Venue to support and cheer her on to victory.
She is now approaching her personal set time of cooking for 96 hours, a 4 day cooking marathon. Currently she has surpassed the previous Guinness world record of 87 hours, 45 mins and is nearing the 90 hour mark and is still going strong.
The event is watched keenly around the world and is Live-streamed on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok and has had numerous celebrities, notable personalities and even politicians in the country visit the venue in support of Hilda Baci.
Hilda Baci when asked on her inspiration for taking on this task she said it has been one of her biggest aspirations, and an opportunity to showcase positive stories from Africa through African dishes.
“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.
Ever since her quest became public knowledge it has trended and generated so much buzz with Nigerians rallying huge support both online and offline. The venue of the cook-a-thon, More Gardens in Lekki, has had a huge presence of supporters of the gourmet chef since the first day of the cook-a-thong.
Millions of viewers from across the world have also tuned in to witness Hilda Baci make history. Celebrities such as Dremo, Tiwa Savage, Actor and hypeman Charles Okocha, media personality Enioluwa, Teni, Kaffydance, Skiibii, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Spyro, Dare justified, Elozonam, Liquorose, Banky W, Sydney Talker and lots more have come out to the venue of the cook-a-thon to support her.
Politicians have not also been left out as on Sunday 14th May, the Executive Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also at the Amore Gardens to show support.
The governor praised Hilda Baci and informed her that Lagosians are proud of her for embarking on the journey in the state and promised to follow the update until the final declaration.
In his words “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.
In his usual eloquent manner the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, said her effort shows the true Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience.
In his words “I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hard work and dedication. I wish her well on this noble journey to pen her name in the golden book of history,” Obi said.
The previous Guinness World Record holder Chef Lata Tondon, has also shown support for Chef Hilda on social media cheering her and encouraging her in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Chef Hilda Baci having successfully broken the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, it is a big win not just for her but for the Nigerian food industry having garnered lots of goodwill and awareness on Nigerian cuisine from across the world.
This will showcase the talent and dedication of Nigerian chefs and put the country on the map as a destination for culinary excellence.
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