Hilda Effiong-Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual. The Nigerian chef accomplished this feat when she cooked non-stop for 100 hours, surpassing the previous record held by an Indian chef, Lata Tandon, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Femi Martins, expressed satisfaction at the overwhelming support and encouragement shown to Hilda Baci during her marathon cooking that led to her setting a new record. He noted that Baci’s achievement would inspire Nigerian youths to discover their talents and do great things for themselves and the country.
“This is another first for Lagos State because history is being made here. The fact that the Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had also been here to encourage Baci shows that the Lagos State Government will definitely support her and others who are so inspired in line with THEMES Agenda,” Martins said.
The Guinness Book of Records has acknowledged Baci’s efforts but is yet to release an official confirmation for her cooking record as they are still reviewing the evidence.
Baci started cooking at around 4 pm on Thursday, May 11, 2023, with her goal to outclass the Indian record holder’s non-stop cooking target of 87 hours and 45 minutes by achieving a 96-hour target. However, with sheer determination and a boisterous crowd cheering her on, Baci surpassed her original goal and set a new global record of non-stop cooking for 100 hours.
Notable government officials and politicians, including the President, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd); Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; President-elect, Bola Tinubu; presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, respectively, and the governors of Lagos and Akwa-Ibom states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Udom Emmanuel, among others, have congratulated the chef on her new feat.
Baci’s achievement is considered a milestone for Lagos State, and her determination to pursue her passion is sure to inspire other Nigerian youths to discover and excel in their respective fields.
