Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, is a Nigerian chef & restaurateur who just finalised her attempt to break the Guinness world record for the longest cooking by an individual. Hilda Baci, initially set out to cook for 96 hours, to significantly break Chef Lata Tandon’s records. As the 96th hour approached, Hilda was motivated to extend her attempt to 100 hours and 40 minutes. Breaking the record of the current holder by over 13 hours.
Hilda’s Cook-a-thon started on the 11th of May at 4:20 pm and ended on the 15th of May at 8:40 pm. During the Cookathon, Hilda prepared over 200 meals served to over 4,000 people.
Incase you missed it, here are some highlights from the 4 day cook-a-thon, hope Hilda’s feat inspires you!
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Hilda Baci hit significant milestones in her attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest cooking by an individual, and on day 3, she was going on 64 hours and counting, with about 32 hours left for her to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking by an individual.
Hilda cooked over 110 meals and served over 2,795 people. Despite her obvious exhaustion from being on her feet for three days and counting, Hilda Baci’s commitment to excellence is evident as she did not compromise on the meal standard and has maintained excellence which her brand is synonymous with.
Baci’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record was nothing but awe-inspiring to Nigerians and women around the world as this attempt had an influx of Nigerians at the venue of the cook-a-thon to see her break this record and thousands more, following live events closely via social media.
Notable Celebrities also actively supported Baci’s attempt by being present at the venue of the cook-a-thon and showering Baci with words of encouragement and affirmation. Nigerian singer and Hilda’s close friend Dremo remained a constant source of support to Baci as he had been present since the start of the event on Thursday.
Media Personality, Noble Igwe, Enioluwa, Beauty enthusiasts hush.ng , Beauty by AD ceo Adeola, media personality and Hilda’s friend, Ama Reginald, medical doctor, and fashion enthusiasts Akin Faminu, and Big Brother Titans Ex-Housemates, Thabang Mazibuko and Tsatsii Madiba, were also present showing their support and admiration for Baci’s attempt. Popular food bloggers also came out to support Hilda; Gina Ojo, Ify Mojekwu, and Diary of a Kitchen Lover.
Brands continue to reach out in numbers to show support for Hilda Baci as well as motivate the crowd to ensure everyone has something to eat and drink at no cost. Some of which are Coldstone, Cway, Hans, and Rene.
With Monday, just around the corner, more encouraging words poured in and Hilda Baci’s resilience and determination to see this through is evident. “Bet on Hilda” continued to trend on social media and with hopes high and Baci’s strong resolve, the #HildaBaciCookathon is not only inspiring but positively impacting lives.
Some of the highlights from day 3 of Hilda’s cookathon was the yoga class in the morning, facilitated by Tobe Ifeanyi, A speech from Hilda’s mum at 47 hours when Hilda needed morevation. Hilda’s mom is the owner of Calabar Pot, one of the top restaurants in Abuja.
Over the night, 58 hours into the cookathon a group of traditional Efik dancers came to support Hilda dressed in traditional dancing gear. Media personality Enioluwa, hyped and prayed with the crowd in the middle of the night.
Day 4
Hilda Baci, initially set out to cook for 96 hours, to significantly break Chef Lata Tandon’s records. As the 96th hour approached, Hilda was motivated to extend her attempt to 100 hours and 40 minutes. Breaking the record of the current holder by over 13 hours.
Hilda’s Cook-a-thon started on the 11th of May at 4:20 pm and ended on the 15th of May at 8:40 pm. During the Cookathon, Hilda prepared over 200 meals served to over 4,000 people. Some of the highlights of the event were the devotion of Nigerians who came to support Hilda under the rain and sunshine, cheering and praying as she powered through the attempt.
Visit from celebrities and famous personalities including Tiwa Savage, Kate Henshaw, Shawn Faqua, Dremo, Charles Okocha, Segun Arinze, Sisi Yemmie, Diary of a Kitchen Lover, Ify Mogekwu, Timi Dakolo and Enioluwa, Gina Ojo, Aphro Dija, amongst others. There was also a visitation from the children of Festus Fajemilo Foundation; a non-governmental organisation, raising awareness about hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida to congratulate and encourage her.
Appreciating the love and support towards the fruition of the Cookathon, Hilda Baci said
‘‘ I am so amazed at the outpour of love from Nigerians towards achieving this record. The first six hours were the toughest for me, I had to pray to God for strength. I appreciate everyone who took time out to support and encourage me by visiting the venue to cheer me on or driving the conversation on social platforms.
Your unwavering passion to see me succeed through this attempt is heartfelt. I am grateful to my family, the various teams that worked with me on this project, and fans from all over the world who kept the passion going’’.
The Guinness Book of Records attempt will be ratified after verification of proceedings by the Official World Record Office. This will include ensuring that the attempt is well-measured, standardised, and verifiable.
Hilda’s Cookathon was sponsored by her restaurant My Food By Hilda, GB Foods; makers of Gino, Gino Max, Bama and Jumbo, Woodscope, Arla, Baigewallet, Filmhouse, Uber, Monty Suites, and Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAPA).
We hope Hilda’s feat inspires you to do something amazing you’ve always wanted to do. You got this, we’re rooting for you!
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