The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has praised Nigerian chef, Hilda Effiong-Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, for cooking continuously for 100 hours in an attempt to set a new world record. The agency commended the feat as it represents core values that are essential for the growth and development of the country.
Baci broke the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking hour by an individual, surpassing the previous record held by Indian chef, Lata Tandon, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes non-stop in 2019. Although the attempt has yet to be officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, many Nigerians, including the NOA, have commended the achievement.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, tagged “Re-orientation on National Core Values for Secondary Schools,” the Director-General of NOA, Garba Abari, emphasized the vital importance of the values demonstrated during the cooking challenge. Abari encouraged the students to learn from the chef’s achievement and emulate her values.
Speaking on behalf of the DG, Kehinde Ogunkuade, the Director of Human Resources Management at NOA, said, “As part of the core values of the country’s constitution, the attempt shows that there is dignity in labor, and that everyone can excel in their endeavor. I advise the students to learn from the attempt. Don’t copy what is wrong; do what is right, and have the confidence that you will succeed in everything you do.”
Additionally, Abari called for a review of national core values due to the moral decadence prevalent in secondary schools. He stated that young people are the key to a nation’s prosperity and it is vital to equip them with the necessary tools and values for them to become responsible and productive citizens.
He further added, “The National Orientation Agency recognizes the need to inculcate national core values in our young people. These values, such as integrity, social justice, patriotism, discipline, the dignity of labor, religious tolerance, and self-reliance, are important to the growth of our youth, and the development of our nation. Unfortunately, in recent times, there has been a decline in the practice of these values in our society, and this has affected the attitudes and behavior of our young people. This is why the National Orientation Agency has deemed it necessary to embark on a re-orientation program for secondary school students in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Audu Amba, expressed concern that schools are becoming breeding grounds for social vices and called for measures to discourage children, especially secondary school students, from engaging in crimes that are antithetical to effective teaching. He stated that education is an instrument for national development and social change, and until the educational system in Nigeria is aimed at inculcating national consciousness, values, and unity, social vices such as cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractices, gambling, and indecent dressing may remain prevalent.
In conclusion, Hilda Baci’s cooking feat has demonstrated the values of resilience, determination, and hard work that every Nigerian needs to succeed. It is an excellent example for Nigerian students and citizens to follow, and it is hoped that it will inspire more individuals to achieve greater feats in their chosen endeavors while upholding essential core values.
