Nigerian chef and businesswoman Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has shattered the world record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual”.
The chef has currently surpassed the world record after she reached the milestone of 87-hours on Monday morning, 7:46am and is still going.
Last Thursday at precisely 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the cook flipped the stove to ommmence the record-breaking attempt.
The chef set out to set a new record of 96 hours by Monday evening at precisely 4 pm.
Previous record holder Lata Tondon, an Indian cook who achieved the feat in 2019, held the Guinness World Record with a time of 87 hours and 45 minutes, which Hilda has now broken. Lata has reported reached out to encourage and congratulate the chef.
She has been congratulated by both Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and President-Elect ola Tinubu.
Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, is hosting the event, which is being live-streamed on YouTube and Instagram.
Several celebrities and thousands of Nigerian supporters, have battled the rain to cheer up the exhausted but resilient chef.
At the occasion were Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, actress Kate Henshaw, musicians Tiwa Savage and many more.
On Sunday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also went to the location to encourage Baci.
Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, also lauded Baci for her “determination and focus.”
“The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for 4 days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hardwork and resilience. I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which are inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hardwork and dedication.
“I wish her well on this noble journey to pen her name in the golden book of history,” he tweeted on Sunday.
Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo has also reportedly reached out to the record-breaker to congratulate her on the feat.
Baci has experience competing in cooking contests; she took part in the inaugural Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021. By winning the contest and taking home the top prize of $5000, the gifted chef made Nigeria proud.
Glamour Adah
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