UYO, Nigeria – Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known by her brand name Hilda Baci, who recently achieved the Guinness World Record for a Cooking Marathon, is set to be inducted into the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Hall of Fame.
The decision was made during the plenary session on Thursday, June 22, 2023 which saw members of the House unanimously agreeing to honour Bassey for her remarkable achievement.
The motion to include Bassey in the Hall of Fame was sponsored by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, and the Deputy Leader of the House.
In his Motion, Hon. Bob highlighted that Hilda Effiong Bassey, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, successfully completed a Cooking Marathon that lasted for 93 hours and 11 minutes.
During this marathon, she created over 55 recipes and prepared over 100 meals, including dishes local to Akwa Ibom. This extraordinary achievement garnered widespread attention both nationally and internationally.
Hon. Bob emphasized that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has a tradition of honouring citizens who represent the state exceptionally well globally.
In the past, the House has honoured notable individuals such as Ime Ime Umanah, who made history as the first black African President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and Stephen Udotong, a young Nigerian prodigy in the United States who built the first Nuclear Fusor in 2017.
Members of the House, including Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, Hon. Jerry Otu, and Hon. (Mrs) Itoro Etim, expressed support for the Motion. They emphasized that Ms Bassey’s culinary achievements have positively showcased Akwa Ibom State to the world.
Recognizing her success would also motivate and encourage other citizens to pursue excellence in various fields.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, mandated the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to issue an official congratulatory message to Hilda Effiong Bassey on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Ms. Bassey’s induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to her hard work, culinary skills, and dedication to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom through its cuisine.
Her achievement serves as an inspiration to many and as a reminder of the limitless possibilities when passion meets determination.
