LONDON, United Kingdom – Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, has officially set the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon, clocking a total of 93 hours and 11 minutes.
The announcement came on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a comprehensive review of all the evidence by Guinness World Records.
After reviewing all the footage, we're delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) 💫
Watch the video to find out the official time we've awarded Hilda and read the full explanation below 👇 pic.twitter.com/bf352ndxWO
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 13, 2023
The 26-year-old culinary expert began her record-setting endeavour on Thursday, May 11, and cooked continuously through to Monday, May 15. She prepared over 100 pots of food during her four-day culinary marathon.
Baci had originally aimed to set a 100-hour record. However, due to a miscalculation of rest break time early in her attempt, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total. Like all ‘longest marathon’ record holders, Baci was permitted a five-minute rest for every continuous hour of activity, which she could accumulate if not taken.
Her achievement eclipsed the previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon from India in 2019.
This is the best news ever omg omg omg thank you so much 🥺🥺 https://t.co/PRrvUTPTT8
— Hilda Baci (@hildabacicooks) June 13, 2023
Baci embarked on this record attempt to “put Nigerian cuisine on the map” and to “inspire young African women to chase their dreams.” She prepared for the marathon by creating a 35-item menu, ensuring she had all the necessary ingredients, and organizing a team to procure additional food items as required.
Her record-setting journey created a buzz on social media, with millions around the world, particularly in Nigeria, following her progress via an Instagram live stream. The attempt was so popular it crashed the Guinness World Record website for two days due to the surge in traffic.
Several high-profile Nigerian figures, including Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former Anamabra State First Lady, Mrs Margaret Obi, the wife of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi; Governor of Lagos State Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and award-winning singer Tiwa Savage, visited Baci during her record attempt.
To ensure adherence to Guinness World Records rules, Baci cooked at least two items at all times, had a sous-chef for prep work and cleaning, and ensured all food cooked was consumed. In line with this, Baci invited members of the public to eat the meals she prepared, and all leftover food was donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation.
“My team’s and my goal for this event was to make it free to all and to feed the less privileged,” Baci said.
Each pot she cooked was estimated to serve 30-35 people, and “appropriate stock control was conducted” to avoid food wastage.
Following a sociology degree from Madonna University, Nigeria, Baci pursued her passion for cooking, largely inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, also a chef.
Her career saw her host the television show ‘Dine on a Budget’ in 2020 and win the Jollof Face-off competition in 2021. Now, in 2023, she adds the accolade of Guinness World Records title holder to her impressive resume.
Congratulations, Hilda Baci!
