Some prominent Nigerians have thrown their weight behind chef Hilda Bassey Effiong (Baci) as she attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the ‘longest cooking time.’
In a quest to achieve the record, the 27-year-old from Akwa Ibom State on Thursday began a four-day ‘cook-a-thon’ at Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos State.
Hilda Baci is attempting to cook for 96 hours, using extra 9 hours to break the world record as the first human on earth to spend such an amount of time cooking a marathon. The current record for the world’s longest cooking marathon is held by Lata Tondon who completed the task in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs in Rewa, India in 2019.
Taking to her Instagram live video on Sunday, President-elect, Bola Tinubu commented, “IDAN doesn’t break, she breaks records. We’re rooting for you, Hilda” as a show of support for the chef.’’
The screenshot of the Instagram Live was shared on Tinubu’s Instagram story on Sunday.
‘Idan’ is a trending slang on social media, used to describe someone who grinds out extraordinary results.
Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo showed her support via a phone call.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar sent an encouraging tweet to Baci.
‘‘We see you, Chef Hilda, standing at the crossroads of history, ready to carve your name in the annals of world records. This is no easy feat, but we believe wholeheartedly in your grit and your passion. You are inspiring millions by showcasing the strength of the human spirit. May your energy remain unbroken, for you are on the brink of making history. We believe in you. Nigeria believes in you. –AA’’
In his Facebook page, Godswill Akpabio wrote ‘‘In Akwa Ibom State, the Can Do Spirit is currently manifesting in Lagos State, through our own daughter Hilda Baci. Akwa Ibom children are naturally resourceful, persistent and dedicated to whatever they are out to achieve in life.
‘‘Just as we broke the world record in assembling the largest number of singers in the world which earned us a spot in the Guinness Book of record, we are at the verge of setting another new world record through our dear daughter Hilda Baci, in the area of world record in food cooking duration.
‘‘I salute her sense of resilience and commitment and I wish her success at the end of this contest. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER.’’
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has showed his support for chef Hilda Baci as she attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time.
The governor in an Instagram post on Sunday made this known where he said he’s proud of her endeavour to break records.
‘‘I showed up to support Chef Hilda Baci, in her quest to break the Guinness World Record @GWR for the longest time spent cooking by an individual.
‘‘Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but also the resilience, determination, energy and team spirit that has come to be known as the spirit of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is truly remarkable.
‘‘We are proud to have Hilda embarking on this journey in our state. I will continue to follow the updates and look forward to the final declaration,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
Celebrities stand with Baci
With the news of Hilda’s records breaking the internet, a lot of celebrities such as Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Dare Justified, and Spyro, to mention but a few storm the cooking venue to thrill the audience also with songs and heartwarming words.
While other celebrities who couldn’t make it to the venue such as Nancy Isime, Iyabo Ojo, Ruth Kadiri, Tonto Dikeh, Kiekie, Bisola, Allwell Ademola, Juliet Ibrahim, Nikki Laoye, Bimbo Ademoye, Sunmbo Adeoye, Teddy A and others rooted for the cooking champion on social media.
Hilda Baci has hit over 72 hours of cooking as of the time of reporting.
Iyabo Ojo wrote, “@hildabaci @hildabacicookathon Congratulations in advance, dear ….. you will make it, you will break the Guinness world record Queenchef”
Ruth Kadiri wrote, “My love support and prayers are with you. @hildabaci”
Tonto Dikeh wrote, “I personally don’t know her. Of course, I know of her and her signature dishes. I tried at some point to order her delicious dishes while in Lagos but couldn’t cause of my busy schedule. Bottom line this is not an ad or a friendship post, THIS IS A WOMAN SUPPORTING ANOTHER WOMAN POST.
She is doing amazing, @myfoodbyhilda is trying to break the Guinness Book of Record for the longest cooking in one time..’’
Multi-talented TV producer, actress, presenter, and foodprenuer, Hilda has cooked more than 110 meals and served over 2,795 people. Hilda’s mum also a chef owns a food brand called Calabar Pot.
Speaking on the adventure, Baci 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.’’
