A Nigerian chef by the name of Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, recently set out on a quest to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest amount of time spent cooking.
Baci has a history of setting records; in fact, in August 2021, she took first place in the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff” tournament.
Lata Tondon, an Indian chef, presently holds the record for the longest cooking marathon, which she completed in 2019 in Rewa, India, in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds.
Baci began her four-day cooking challenge on May 11 at the Amore Gardens, and she is currently closing in on the finish line. The 27-year-old has already put in 70 hours of cooking, and there are still 24 hours left.
The fourth day of Baci’s bid to break the current record for the world’s longest cooking marathon has just concluded.
When asked why she started the project, Baci responded that it was one of her main goals and an opportunity to share some uplifting tales from Africa through the food we eat.
She said;
“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.”
Nigerians are still rallying behind her on social media and at the cook-a-thon location, Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State, as a result of her ambition to make history.
Since the first day of the cook-a-thon, Baci has become a social media sensation, with millions of spectators watching her progress live on the biggest social media sites.
Additionally, there is the mob that has been swarming the Amore Gardens to show their support for her.
