Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci is officially recognised as the owner of the record for the longest cooking marathon by the Guinness World Records.
The Guinness Book of Records has now confirmed that Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, has successfully “broken the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual)”, clocking in at 93 hours and 11 minutes, according to a careful evaluation of all the available evidence in.
The group announced the information on its blog on Tuesday.
According to GWR, Baci tried to achieve a record of 100 hours, but nearly seven hours were subtracted from her final total because she accidentally overstayed one of her rest breaks early in the endeavour.
“As with all ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is permitted a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity. These rest breaks can be accumulated if not taken. They were the only times Hilda could use the bathroom or sleep during the attempt,” the statement read.
Lata Tondon, an Indian cook, broke the previous record in 2019 with a time of 87 hours and 45 minutes.
Since Hilda’s record breaking feat, other contenders have arisen to challenge it. While she was waiting for the announcement of her record, Damilola Adeparusi, an Ekiti State-based Nigerian chef, launched a 120-hour cook-a-thon, but her endeavour drew both praise and criticism.
A live Instagram broadcast allowed millions of people in Nigeria and beyond to watch Hilda’s record attempt as it unfolded.
According to GWR, Baci’s cook-a-thon had an unprecedented amount of traffic, causing its website to be down for two days.
A number of prominent Nigerian leaders, including the country’s former president Muhammadu Buhari, paid Hilda a visit to show their support for her record attempt. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who was Nigeria’s vice president at the time, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, and Tiwa Savage, a renowned musician, were also there.
GWR added, “After graduating from Madonna University, Nigeria, with a degree in sociology, Hilda decided to embark on her culinary career. She was inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef.
“Hilda went from success to success, hosting television show Dine on a Budget in 2020, before winning the Jollof Face-off competition in 2021. Representing her native Nigeria, Hilda beat Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie to claim the victory.
“Now, in 2023, she is officially a Guinness World Records title holder. Congratulations, Hilda!”
Glamour Adah
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