Hilda Effiong Bassey, a Nigerian chef known as Hilda Baci, is currently striving to break the Guinness World Record for longest individual cooking time.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Basi is having the backings of prominent persons in the country.
Baci, who won the inaugural edition of the “Jollof Faceoff” competition in August 2021, is no stranger to setting records.
The current record for the world’s longest cooking marathon is held by Indian chef Lata Tondon, who completed the task in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds in Rewa, India in 2019.
Baci began her four-day cooking marathon challenge on May 11th at Amore Gardens and is fast approaching the finish line. She has already cooked for 70 hours and has 24 more hours to go. Today marks the fourth day of her attempt to break the Guinness Book of Record World’s longest cooking marathon.
Baci explained that breaking the record is one of her biggest aspirations and also an opportunity to tell positive stories about Africa through the food people eat.
“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. I have taken time to prepare for this psychologically and I am proud to finally take on this challenge.”
“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.”
“This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat,” she said.
Since the cook-a-thon began, Baci has been trending on all social media platforms, with her progress streamed live for millions of viewers. In addition, crowds continue to gather at Amore Gardens to support her.
On Sunday, Lagos State Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu visited the cook-a-thon venue to show his support for Baci. He expressed his pride in her efforts and promised to follow her progress until the final declaration.
“Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but also the resilience, determination, energy and team spirit that has come to be known as the spirit of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is truly remarkable,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also praised Baci for her determination, while the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, described her effort as a true reflection of the Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience.
Other notable figures who have visited Amore Gardens to offer their support include Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre Lagos, and actor Charles Okocha, among others.
Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, also showed her support for Baci, describing her as a diligent woman.
The president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu also joined her Instagram Live broadcast where he commented, “Idan doesn’t break. She breaks records. We are rooting for you Hilda.”
