…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media. On May 15, 2023, Nigerian chef Hilda Baci made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous cooking session, completing 100 hours of non-stop cooking.
Hilda, originally from Akwa-Ibom, began her marathon cooking on Thursday, May 12, preparing and serving a variety of Nigerian delicacies to a thrilled and electrified audience that turned out in overwhelming numbers.
The Array of Delicacies Prepared by Chef Hilda Baci
Throughout the cooking marathon, Chef Hilda Baci skillfully cooked and served numerous mouthwatering dishes to her enthusiastic audience.
Some of the delicacies included Coconut rice, Bread and egg, Porridge yam, Burger, Basmati jolly rice, Seafood okra, Akara with sauce, Catfish pepper soup, Jollofilneixe with goat meat, Mashed potatoes, Edika Ikong with turkey, Native pasta, Native jolly rice, Nsala soup, Ofe Aku, Asun rice, Peppered fish, White rice, Peppered chicken, Fried fish, Abacha, Chicken wraps, Fisherman soup, Porridge plantain, and Jolly paste.
Surpassing the Previous Record
Chef Hilda Baci’s achievement surpassed the previous record held by Indian chef Lata Tondon, who cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019 in Rewa, central India.
With the goal of showcasing her culinary prowess and raising awareness of the richness and diversity of Nigerian cuisine, Hilda courageously took on the challenge and broke the world record.
However, she did not do it alone; her strength during the “cook-a-thon” event wavered at times but was ultimately renewed by the enthusiastic and vibrant Nigerians who showed up in massive numbers to show their support.
The Supportive Young Nigerians at the ‘Cook-a-thon’
When Hilda announced her intention to set a new record for marathon cooking, outspoken Nigerian celebrity Mr. Maraconi took to Twitter to rally support for her, urging food lovers to come out and show their support.
This call to action inspired Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds, states, and religious affiliations to gather at the event venue to show their unwavering support.
Among the crowd were individuals like Grace Itah, who took two days off from work to witness this life-changing moment.
Grace expressed her admiration, saying, “It takes a superhuman to cook for more than 80 hours.
The longest I have ever cooked is three hours, so I told myself I would witness it, and I’m glad that I did.”
Another supporter, Steven, a bright student who traveled from Delta to show his support, spoke about needing the inspiration to pursue his dream as a singer.
He said, “I am coming from Delta and needed the motivation of someone going the extra mile to achieve their dreams.
I have been here since Saturday, and Hilda’s incredible strength awakens me.”
The event also saw the participation of other young food enthusiasts, including the DreamcatchersDA, a group of young children who danced while Hilda cooked, and all-female drummers who created an enchanting atmosphere with their melodious drumming.
The Overwhelming Show of Support
Many young people camped at the event venue from dawn till dusk, chanting Hilda’s name at the top of their voices, even in the rain, until they lost their voices.
Their unwavering support was evident, with videos and pictures flooding social media platforms, amplifying the event’s reach and cheering Hilda on.
Celebrities and Dignitaries Show Their Support
In addition to the young Nigerians and food lovers, several top celebrities pledged their support during the cooking marathon.
Notable personalities such as Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, actress Kate Henshaw, actress Iyabo Ojo, singer Tiwa Savage, and media personality Enioluwa, among others, came to the event to show their support.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also visited the venue to cheer Hilda on.
President Muhammadu Buhari described Hilda as a “cultural icon.”
The Journey to Guinness World Record
Once the record is verified by Guinness, Hilda Baci, with the collective help of the young and vibrant Nigerians who rallied behind her, will join the ranks of other record-breakers like Kaffy, the Nigerian dancer who led her group to break the record for the “Longest Dance Party” by dancing for 55 hours and 40 minutes in 2006.
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