Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, in the early hours of Monday, May 15, 2023, made history when she broke the Guinness World Record for longest cooking time by an individual.
As of 12 noon on Monday when this report was filed, Baci had cooked for 92 hours to surpass the previous record set by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon in 2019. The previous title holder cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs.
Earlier on Sunday, as it became obvious that the record would be broken, the current holder Tondon had wished Hilda Baci the best of luck in her quest to set the new world record.
Taking to her Instagram page on Sunday night, Chef Lata Tondon wished Hilda the best of luck in her quest while hoping to see her on the official site of the Guinness Book of World Records.
“All the best Hilda. Hope to see you on the Official Site of the Guinness Book Of World Record Soon!!!” she wrote.
Baci started her four-day cooking marathon challenge on May 11 at the Amore Gardens in the Lekki area of Lagos State.
The 27-year-old will keep cooking to extend the record till the 96th hour.
On why she embarked on the challenge, Baci said it was one of her biggest aspirations, adding that it is also an opportunity to tell some positive stories from Africa through the meals that we eat.
“The journey to the cook-a-thon started five years ago. It is one of my biggest aspirations and I am glad that I took the bold step to embark on this adventure. I have taken time to prepare for this psychologically and I am proud to finally take on this challenge.”
“The cook-a-thon is also an opportunity to tell some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that we make.”
“This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat,” she said.
Her quest to make history has generated so much buzz among Nigerians who are still rallying support for her both on social media and at the venue of the cook-a-thon, Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State.
