A Nigerian chef by the name of Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, recently set out on a quest to beat the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking session by a single person. She is also well known for winning the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff” tournament, which took place in August 2021.
Hilda has been passionate about cooking for several years, and she has taken the time to mentally get ready for this task. She thinks the cook-a-thon is a chance to share inspiring tales from Africa through the food that Africans prepare. She is also appreciative of the setting and help that made it possible for her to take on this endeavor.
At Amore Gardens in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 11, 2022, Hilda started her four-day cooking marathon challenge. Indian chef Lata Tondon held the record for the longest cooking marathon, finishing the feat in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds in 2019, but by 07:45 am today, the 15th of May, 2023. Baci broke this mark and wrote her name in the sands of time.
Since the commencement of Hilda’s cook-a-thon, her progress has been streamed live for millions of spectators and her Instagram handle, making her a social media trend. Nigerians were so excited about her attempt to make history and showed this through their active support on social media and physically as they camped at the cook-a-thon location.
Baci’s quest to beat the record for the longest amount of time spent cooking by one person is a testament to the fortitude and tenacity of young Nigerians. She believes that her success would motivate others to take on obstacles and venture outside of their comfort zones.
Go Baci !!!!
Below are some of the moments caught on camera:
