Last Monday, the Nigerian social media sphere buzzed with excitement as Chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, better known as Hilda Baci, embarked on a historic culinary journey in Lekki, Lagos. Although the enticing aromas from her kitchen couldn’t be experienced globally, the world watched as Baci cooked her way into the record books.
Hilda Baci, renowned for winning the 2021 Jollof Rice competition against a Ghanaian chef, captured international attention for a new reason. She aimed to break the World Record for the longest marathon cooking session, previously held by Indian chef Lata Tondon with a time of 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds, set in 2019. By Monday evening, Baci had cooked non-stop for an impressive 100 hours.
Her marathon cooking session started the previous Thursday and concluded on Monday evening. While the Guinness World Records organization reviewed the attempt, Nigerians celebrated her achievement. From President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to politicians and citizens across the country, Baci’s hard work and determination were widely applauded.
Regardless of Guinness World Records’ official confirmation, Baci’s record-breaking feat was celebrated across Nigeria. Dana Airline, a prominent Nigerian airline, offered Baci a year of free flights in recognition of her accomplishment. Ememobong Ettete, Dana Airline’s COO, expressed the airline’s commitment to supporting Nigerian youth’s creativity and innovation, praising Baci’s dedication and extending the free flights offer to her mother for three months.
Hilda Baci, a 27-year-old chef who started her career in 2020 with her brand @Myfoodbyhilda, began her record-breaking cooking marathon on May 11 at Amore Gardens, Lekki. Over 100 hours, she prepared over 250 recipes, live-streaming the entire event.
President Buhari commended Baci’s impressive culinary skills, recalling her victory in the 2021 Jollof Face-off Competition, which settled the rivalry with Ghana over the best Jollof rice. He highlighted Baci’s success as a cultural milestone with potential tourism benefits and encouraged other young Nigerians to follow her example. He also thanked the event sponsors and supporters, including Governor Sanwo-Olu, for their role in this national achievement.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised Baci’s achievement as a demonstration of the resilient Nigerian spirit. He described her as an inspirational figure whose passion and dedication have made Lagos and Nigeria proud. “Her accomplishment reflects the indomitable Nigerian and Akwa Ibom spirit,” he said, congratulating her on breaking the world record and commending the exceptional quality of her dishes.