Hilda Baci, born Hilda Effiong Bassey, yesterday, broke the former Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual, cooking for 100 hours, over a period of four days.
Initially supposed to cook for 96 hours, the 27-year-old Lagos-based chef cooked non-stop from 4:00p.m. on Thursday, May 11, and was supposed to stop by 4:00p.m. yesterday to reach her goal of 96 hours.
However, she decided to continue till 8:00p.m., despite surpassing the previous record holder around 8:00am, taking her record to a whooping 100 hours, as celebrities, fans and well wishers defied the rain to cheer her on to reach her record-breaking goal at Amore Gardens, venue of the cook-a-thon.
Lata Tondon, an Indian, set a record of 87 hours and 45 minutes in India in 2019, but Hilda blew past that record at 7:46a.m. yesterday, clocking 87 hours and 46 minutes, effectively writing her name into the record books.
Yesterday afternoon, a Twitter user asked why Hilda hadn’t been announced as the new titleholder on the Guinness Book of World Records social media handles. The organisation’s official Twitter handle immediately replied, saying that they are aware of her amazing attempt, but are still reviewing the evidence first, before making any official announcements.
Checks by The Guardian show that once an individual has completed a record attempt, he/she, must submit the evidence to the body. The first step for any successful Guinness World Records titleholder is the quality of their application.
Also, the length of time for the application process and then the evidence review for the attempt itself are both taken into consideration.
According to the body on its website, it said: “The second stage of the application process happens after your attempt has taken place and requires you to submit your evidence to us for review.
“Once you have submitted your evidence for a record attempt, there will be an evidence review period. The timeframe for this stage will also depend on the type of application you opt for.
“It can take up to 12 weeks for us to review your documentation and let you know if your record attempt has been accepted as the new record holder or rejected.”
The multi-talented foodprenuer, renowned for her exceptional homemade tasty recipes, is a TV producer, actress and presenter and the founder of My Food by Hilda, a restaurant and delivery service for African and continental dishes based in Lekki, Lagos.
Her foray into catering was influenced by her mother’s culinary techniques prior to establishing her business with her brother while a student. She extended her skills to television, starting with the cooking segment, In My Kitchen, on Rave TV’s breakfast show, Morning Rave. She was also the host of Dine on A Budget, on Pop Central TV, where she engaged celebrities on topical issues and treats.
Not a stranger to culinary feats and victories, she represented Nigeria at the Jollof Faceoff Competition in 2021, where she emerged winner.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday shared the joy of celebration as Hilda places Nigeria on the global spotlight. Buhari also lauded the young culinary expert for turning her talent and passion into a career, with a rippling effect on the economy as she runs a restaurant in Lagos, and trains other talents on entrepreneurship, and now leads the world in resilience, perseverance, and consistency in cooking.
The President noted the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.
President Buhari affirmed that Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.
The President further thanked the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country.
Similarly, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has sent a congratulatory message to Hilda. Lawan indicated that her feat is a signal to the rest of the world that Nigerians are talented and are capable of excelling in any endeavour.
A member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, yesterday, lauded Hilda for her feat. Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency, cheered the foodpreneur and actress on, describing her as a brave champion.
Expressing her heartfelt appreciation and unwavering support to the brave chef, Akande-Sadipe said her determination and incredible endurance is a testament to the remarkable strength and resilience that women possess.
She said: “You have become a shining example of what women are truly capable of achieving. Your dedication to this extraordinary challenge inspires us all and reminds us that there are no limits to what we can accomplish when we set our minds to it. Your commitment to pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations is truly commendable.”
She urged women to continue cheering Hilda on and wish her success, saying, “I take this moment of Hilda’s determination to encourage every woman out there to celebrate and uplift Hilda in her pursuit of this world record”.
“Let us join together in recognizing her remarkable achievements and the milestones she has already conquered. Hilda’s journey is not only about breaking records but also about empowering women across the globe, showcasing our talents, prowess, strength and resilience”, Akande-Sadipe said.
