LAGOS, Nigeria — The enthusiasm for breaking world records is surging in Nigeria, with the Guinness World Records, GWR, receiving an impressive 1,500 applications from the country since the start of May.
This wave of record-breaking aspirations follows a successful attempt by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci to shatter the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual, a feat which has inspired a host of her compatriots to consider their own record attempts.
Chef Baci’s cooking marathon, which stretched over 100 hours, captured national attention and enthusiasm, elevating her to stardom.
She successfully surpassed the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes, set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019.
“The attention and excitement that Hilda Baci’s cooking marathon gained was certainly an incentive for many Nigerians to consider attempting a Guinness World Records title,” said a spokesperson for GWR on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
Baci, who hails from Akwa Ibom, was officially recognized by the British reference book in June 2023.
However, due to some identified lapses during the attempt, her record time was revised to 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Following her success, Nigerians have displayed an interest in breaking records in diverse categories.
From kissing marathons to massaging and lecturing, from prolonged praise and worship sessions to even ‘sex-a-thon’ attempts, the spirit of record-breaking appears to have taken hold in the nation.
The Guinness World Records has noted an increased interest in marathon-related records in particular.
As the organization wades through the flurry of applications from Nigeria, one thing is clear: Hilda Baci’s achievement has left a powerful legacy, sparking a desire among Nigerians to etch their own names into the annals of record-breaking history.
Another Feather: Guinness World Record Holder Hilda Baci Earns Coveted Spot in Akwa Ibom Hall of Fame
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.
