Hilda Effiong Bassey popularly known as Hilda Baci, has today written her name in the sand of history, while doing what she loves doing the most; cooking. Hilda has caught the attention of the world through her cooking. Hilda attempted this record to “put Nigerian cuisine on the map” and “to inspire young African women to chase their dreams and as well push her limits and test her abilities.”
Guinness World Records, through their official webpage and social media pages, today acknowledges Hilda Baci as the new record holder for longest cooking marathon (individual). Following the review of her cooking which started on 11th May to May 15th 2023, has officially been declared the record breaker having recorded 93 hours 11 minutes cooking hours, the longest cooking time by an individual in human history. The previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.
In our society, Nigeria, cooking is stereotyped to be women’s roles just as cleaning of the house is expected of a girl child, a skill she learnt from her mother now turned a means of livelihood for her, which have also brought her fame. Her zealousness to get more, through her culinary skills has nudged her further to take on the cooking marathon challenge. Today her name is heard beyond the shores of Nigeria, for going beyond the horizon to achieve her dreams.
Hilda’s story is that of resilience, passion and dedication to achieve her dreams, she has warmed her way into the heart of many Nigerians and beyond, through cooking. Her new feats resonate hope in the hearts many young women that, they can achieve their dreams if they set their hearts to, if they so desire.
A woman’s place is not limited to the kitchen, the kitchen could in turn be a safe haven, a source of livelihood, creativity, an avenue to make an impact and lend their voice in the society. Women can create their own recipe, have their own cooking shows and even achieve lots more. Through Hilda’s challenge, other people have also decided to take up the cooking challenge, a current case is that of Dammy in Ekiti, who is set to cook for 120hours.
