By ANGELA OMALE
The name Hilda Baci has been on the hearts, lips and social media accounts of Nigerians for the past 3 days.
Incase you’re wondering who she is: Hilda Effiong Bassey ‘Hilda Baci’ is a Nigerian Chef, YouTuber, and Entrepreneur from Awka Ibom State.
She shared her intentions to break the Guinness World Record for ‘longest cooking time’ by an individual at an official press conference on 19 April 2023. The previous record was set record by Indian chef Lata London at 87 hours, 45 minutes and 00 seconds in 2019.
The Cook-a- thon slated for 4 days, started 11th May 2023, with Hilda making various dishes on the go without compromising on quality and taste, with only a 5 minute break each hour and the fire of her passion for cooking fueling her. This act shook the hearts of many Lagosians, Nigerians and the world as people watched in admiration and support for the daring courage of this young Nigerian woman.
Hilda Baci broke the previous set record at around 08:32am Monday morning, by cooking for 88 hours and 32 minutes surpassing the record set by the Indian chef, at the venue Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State.
This feat by Hilda is sure to inspire many young Nigerians especially women and girls,that true power comes from within and anything can be achieved as long as you believe in yourself. Many prominent individuals like Adeoluwa Prince Enioluwa, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Banky and Adesua Wellington, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu , amongst others turned up at the cook-a-thon venue to cheer up and support the young chef.
Former Anambra State governor Peter Obialso showed his support by tweeting;
“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.”
“I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hardwork and dedication.”
