By Nnenna Ibeh

On Thursday, May 11, Hilda Bassey Effiong, popularly known as Hilda Baci, took up the challenge to cop the World's longest cooking marathon previously held by Indian Chef Lata Tondon.

Baci did not only surpass Tandon, who has held the record of cooking for 87 hours and 45 minutes non-stop since 2019 but has continued to cook to hit a four-day cooking spree of 96 hours at the Amore Gardens, Lekki in Lagos, Nigeria.

Days before the cook-a-thon, Baci said she loves what she does and is excited about the journey ahead. 

Since Hilda's big day, which started on Thursday, many Nigerians, including politicians and top celebrities, have continued to support the chef by visiting the cooking arena or sending felicitations on social media.

While Baci has surpassed Tandon in the longest cooking challenge, Guinness World Record, reacting to a tweep's call to announce the Nigerian chef as the record breaker, said it is aware of the recent cook-a-thon and reviewed all available evidence.

GWR said: 

"We're aware of this amazing record attempt; we need to review all the evidence first before officially confirming a record."

Some of the high-profile figures who cheered Baci on while she cooked non-stop while she cooked at the Amore Gardens are

President Muhammadu Buhari

In a tweet shared on his social media account, Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari, described the day as "a great day for Nigeria."

While expressing how proud Nigerians are of Baci's feat, Buhari said the young chef had placed the nation in the spotlight.

His words:

"Hilda's drive, ambition and resilience have brought great interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food. She is now a cultural icon, and I believe this feat will inspire many more young people in Nigeria and beyond to follow in her footsteps."

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

To cheer Baci through the cooking challenge, Nigeria's vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, called the chef on the phone to encourage her at the cook-a-thon.

In a video shared by her team, Baci listened as the vice president spoke over the phone on Sunday, May 14.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

In remarkable support, the governor of Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was at the venue of the cook-a-thon on Sunday, May 14, to cheer Baci up during the process.

Sanwo-Olu, who visited the arena while Baci was doing her 69th hour, also tasted one of the meals prepared by the record-breaking chef.

Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau

A Nigerian dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, was also at the cook-a-thon venue on Sunday, May 14.

Kaffy, who led her dance team to win the Guinness World Record for holding the Longest Dance Party in 2006, was seen doing what she knows best: dance. 

She had a dance session with Baci during her 80th hour of cooking.

Peter Obi and his wife, Magaret

The 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, Peter Obi, in a message to Baci on Twitter, described the efforts made by Baci to beat the current GWR by cooking for four days non-stop as evidence of the true Nigerian spirit of resilience and hard work.

Obi added:

"I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hard work and dedication.

"I wish her well on this noble journey to pen her name in the golden book of history." Obi ended his message.

Like Obi, his wife, Margaret, was not left out in supporting Baci. The former First Lady of Anambra state, a state in the Southeast of Africa's most populous nation, visited the area for Baci's Cook-A-Thon.

Magaret was at the Amore Gardens in Lekki to cheer Baci during the Cook-A-Thon session alongside some of her aides.

Bola Tinubu

Describing Baci's feat as a remarkable display of the spirit of excellence, Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president-elect, said everyone is proud of the record-breaking chef.

His words:

"I congratulate Hilda Effiong Bassey on her record-breaking achievement. It was a remarkable display of the Nigerian can-do attitude and the spirit of excellence that lies within. We are all deeply proud of her."

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku Abubakar, a Nigerian politician and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Baci has "cooked Nigeria into the Guinness Book of Records."

He said: 

"Congratulations, Chef Hilda! A proud nation thanks you for cooking Nigeria into the Guinness Book of Records. Keep the sumptuous meals flowing. -AA."

Kate Henshaw

For a Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw, Baci has shown the Nigerian spirit, which she described as irrepressible, unflinching, and many more.

Continuing, Henshaw said:

"Nothing anyone can tell me about the Nigerian spirit; it is irrepressible, resilient, dogged, and unflinching when we (Nigerians) do decide to stand together.

"This was yesterday night. @hildabacicooks has broken the record already and is on the way to setting her on! Pure inspiration."

Shortly after Baci tweeted that instead of the planned 96 hours, she might be going for 100 hours, Henshaw, in a quoted tweet, said:

"Go for it!"

Kemi Adetiba

Like other high-profile figures, Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba cheered Baci on as she commended her drive and ambition to break the GWR of the Longest Cooking Time.

Adetiba said:

"REALLY rooting for HILDA BACHI. Don't know her personally, but her drive, ambition and resilience, inspires and motivates me IMMENSELY. Sending her prayers and the best vibes to PUSH THROUGH. 

"She's inspiring people she doesn't even know 👏🏾👏🏾 GO HILDA... YOU GOT THIS!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾"

Eniola Adeoluwa

Eniola Adeoluwa can be described as that friend everyone wishes to have. From the beginning of the challenge to its end, Adeoluwa was there for the record-breaking chef.

As part of his encouragement to Baci, the fashionista and celebrity described Baci as someone he is proud of.

"So proud of you, Hilda. You've inspired us all. We really can do anything we put our minds to!" Adeoluwa tweeted.

In a different tweet, Adeoluwa said that every meal Hilda cooked during the Cook-A-Thon tasted good.

His words: 

“Every meal Hilda has cooked has tasted so good, not one bad meal. Delicious! Sweet! Cooking numerous meals, and every one tastes so good. The Real MVP!”