President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, popularly called Hilda Baci, for breaking the Guinness World Record for longest cooking time by an individual.
The restaurateur who entered the cook-a-thon contest had, as of 11:22am on Monday, cooked for 91 hours and 21 minutes to surpass the previous record set by an Indian chef, Lata Tondon in 2019.
The previous titleholder cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds.
Reacting to the feat, Buhari wished more Nigerian youths would follow Effiong’s footsteps.
In a message by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the president congratulated the chef for finding her way into the Guinness Book of Records, and placing Nigeria on the global spotlight.
He praised Baci for turning her talent and passion into a career, with a rippling effect on the economy as she runs a restaurant in Lagos, and trains other talents on entrepreneurship, and now leads the world in resilience, perseverance, and consistency in cooking.
“The president notes the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.
“President Buhari believes Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.
“The president thanks the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country. President Buhari wishes Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career,” Adesina wrote.
Baci started her four-day cooking marathon challenge on May 11 at the Amore Gardens.
The 27-year-old will keep cooking to extend the record till the 96th hour.
She said in an interview that she embarked on the challenge because it had been one of her biggest aspirations.
She also said it “is also an opportunity to tell some positive stories from Africa through the meals that we eat.”
“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,” she added.
