LAGOS, Nigeria — A new culinary milestone is being set in Nigeria as local chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known widely as Hilda Baci, cooks her way into the record books.
Baci surpassed the current Guinness World Record holder for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” on Monday, May 15, 2023 morning, after maintaining an uninterrupted cooking streak that lasted an impressive 87 hours and 50 minutes.
If e easy, run am! 🥳
Now, we’re off to set a new record. #Hildabaccicookathon #betonhilda pic.twitter.com/7ozABASQSp
— Hilda Baci’s Cookathon (@hildabacicooks) May 15, 2023
The Lagos-based restaurateur embarked on her record-breaking journey on Thursday, heating her stove at 4 p.m. By Monday, she had outlasted the previous record set by Indian chef Lata Tondon, who cooked nonstop for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019.
The marathon took place at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State, and is still in progress, as Baci shows no signs of hanging up her apron.
Mothers will always show up. 💙 This is one of the best videos you'd see today to commemorate #MothersDay. 🫶
Mama Hilda encouraging her baby girl. 🥺
You go, Hilda, We are all rooting for you! @hildabacicooks 👏🏾#Hildabacicookathon pic.twitter.com/qm22kBE6jQ
— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) May 14, 2023
Nigerians, including a variety of celebrities, braved the rain to rally behind the seemingly tireless chef. Among the supporters were former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Obi praised Baci’s tenacity on Twitter, writing, “The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for four days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience.”
The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for 4 days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hardwork and resilience. pic.twitter.com/s8UmOc12G4
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 14, 2023
Margaret Obi, the wife of the Labour Party presidential candidate and Akwa Ibom native, and Senator Godswill Akpabio, the former minister of Niger Delta and immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom, visited Hilda during the contest.
Our Incoming First Lady Margaret Peter Obi was at #cookathon to support Hilda Baci. ❤️❤️❤️#Hildabacicookathon pic.twitter.com/28oOPBle6X
— Jaypee (@JaypeeGeneral) May 15, 2023
Sanwo-Olu surprised the crowd by turning up at Amore Gardens on Sunday afternoon to laud the culinary talent. He praised Baci for her representation of the “Lagos spirit,” further motivating the chef as she prepared to make global culinary history.
Baci is no stranger to culinary accolades. In 2021, she won the inaugural Jollof Face-off Competition, taking home a grand prize of $5000.
The Guinness Book of Records, first published in 1955, is a revered archive of human and natural world records. To be included, individuals or groups must submit proof of their achievements and undergo a thorough verification process.
If certified by Guinness World Records, Baci’s record-breaking feat will be an historic testament to her culinary endurance, and a source of national pride for Nigeria.
During the contest, Hilda Baci was also cheered on by Nigerian celebrities and entertainers.
Go Hilda. We are rooting for you to break that record . And I trust say the food go sweet die. pic.twitter.com/jZjjOEZ3RP
— Burna Boy (@burnaboy) May 14, 2023
Guinness World Record Holder for the longest Dance Party after she and her dance group danced for 55 Hours and 40 minutes, Kaffy came around to encourage Hilda Baci as she aims to join her to be a Record Holder.
It's all hands on deck for Hilda!!!! pic.twitter.com/Duy230VAY6
— SportsDokita (Odogwu ☝️) (@Sports_Doctor2) May 15, 2023
Charles Okocha don turn-up for Hilda, she fit cook till December like this😂🫵
pic.twitter.com/OIG2dyyErN— David of Fct🌝 (@Dhavidote) May 14, 2023
REALLY rooting for HILDA BACHI.
Don't know her personally, but her drive, ambition and resilience, inspires and motivates me IMMENSELY.
Sending her prayers and the best vibes to PUSH THROUGH.
She's inspiring people she doesn't even know 👏🏾👏🏾
GO HILDA… YOU GOT THIS!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/D7xgeuL5gl
— Kemi Adetiba (@kemiadetiba) May 14, 2023
Same. Praying she breaks the record cos she’s already done so well.
It’s so hard to watch videos of her cos the Mama bear in me just wants to carry her to a bed so she can sleep. https://t.co/0bvet92Snz— Jade Osiberu (@jadeosiberu) May 14, 2023
Proudly Nigerian! Pretty Hilda, there's dignity in labour. You will not labour in vain; you will labour to victory and glory. God got your back and Nigerians are praying for you. It will end in praise as you break the Guinness world record for the longest cooking marathon pic.twitter.com/JEpn9HxTfr
— Kenneth Okonkwo (@realkenokonkwo) May 14, 2023
