On Monday, Nigerian Chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual.
The 27-year-old started her four-day cooking marathon challenge on May 11 at the Amore Gardens in Lagos State’s Lekki area.
At 8:32 am on Monday, Hilda Baci had cooked for 88 hours and 32 minutes, equaling the record set by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon, in 2019, who cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs. By doing so, she set a new record for the longest cooking time by an individual.
Hilda Baci shared her excitement, saying, “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.
This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support.”
She continued, “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. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat.”
Hilda Baci’s achievement has garnered widespread support and admiration, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visiting her at Amore Gardens and other notable Nigerian leaders, including President-elect Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, cheering her on.
Despite breaking the record, Hilda Baci was still cooking at the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian chef is being cheered on by a large number of Nigerians, mostly youths, who are present at the scene of the record-breaking event.