Twenty seven year old Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, took up the task to beat the world’s longest cooking record on 11th May, 2023. The young chef announced on her social media page, of her intentions to take up the massive challenge, in her restaurant, located in Lagos state, Nigeria.
To break this record, Hilda chose to cook non stop for 96 hours, amidst various rules such as having just five minutes break in one hour, deprived of sleep, allowed to take glucose, not allowed to sit while cooking or take coffee, among others.
Amazingly, Nigerians came out in large numbers to cheer Hilda up as she continues to cook. The support, love and encouragement from the wonderful people of the country and beyond, gingered her more in her feat to break the world record
However, through hard work and sleepless nights of cooking, the longest cooking record, which was won by an Indian Chef, Lata Tondon in 2019, has been broken by Hilda Baci on the 15th day in the Month of May, 2023. Around 08:32am on Monday, Baci has cooked for 88 hours and 32 minutes to surpass the previous record set by the Indian Chef, and she is still cooking, despite breaking the Guinness world record.
Also, in support of the young and amazing chef is her assistant, who has been behind her, acting as her cheer leader. Her parents, popular Nigerian celebrities like Tiwa Savage, Governor of Lagos state, Sanwo Olu, among others came to show their support, also. The previous record breaker, Lata Tandon, was not left behind as she also wished Hilda well in her journey towards breaking the record.
As at 4pm on Monday, 15th of May, 2023, Hilda has broken the massive record of 96 hours of cooking, without sleeping or sitting all through.
Conclusively, , women in Nigeria and all over the world, are taking drastic steps in getting recognition in all areas. Women have refused to be labelled as the weaker vessel in the community, through their undefeatable acts and exploits. Today, Hilda Baci serves as a symbol of determination, courage and confidence. She is our current Hero.