By Elvis Kachi

Born Hilda Effiong Bassey, the Nigerian chef has successfully surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for Longest Cooking Time by an Individual.

Chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly called Hilda Baci, has used her “cookathon” to reach a new record in the Guinness World Records, as the person with the longest cooking time. Although first set by Chef Lata Tondon from India with 87 hours and 45 minutes, Hilda Baci has, this morning in Nigeria, surpassed that record.

At exactly 4m on Thursday, Hilda Baci turned on her gas cooker to begin the process of setting this new world record, at the Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. This Monday morning, she was on 88 hours 19 minutes, making her the newly inevitable world record setter, even though she’s determined at setting her own record with a 96 hours mark. This new feat is expected to be concluded by 4pm today, WAT time.

Hilda Baci is no stranger to the spotlight, the chef, a native of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, won the maiden edition of the Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021, taking home a grand prize of $5000. This new record will put her in history’s books, and set the tone on the many achievements she’s received over time.

Hilda’s win is proof of the support and love that binds Nigeria as a country. Many individuals, public figures, and celebrities visited the Amore Gardens to offer support. Amidst the heavy downpour on Sunday night, they were seen standing in it, and cheering the chef to fire on. “Hilda is really just an inspiration at this point, and we’re very proud of her. If there’s anything we know, Nigerians would always show-up for their own, whether they know you or not,” Victor, one of her supporters says.

Political authorities including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Lagos State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have also offered their support, appraising her for her tenacity and grit. “The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for 4 days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hardwork and resilience,” Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, said in a tweet. “I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hardwork and dedication. I wish her well on this noble journey to pen her name in the golden book of history.”