Jennifer Eluemelem
As a young child interested in the records written down on the Guinness Book of World Records acknowledging numerous amazing feats done by people who seemed ‘superhuman’ because of the impossible tasks they had carried out and completed, Hilda Bassey longed to be among one of the people written down in this great book.
Today, the 15th of May, 2023, the 27- year old Chef Hilda ‘Baci’ Bassey broke the record for the longest single person cooking marathon.
The record was previously held by Chef Lata Tondon in 2019.
Tondon cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds.
However, fulfilling her dream to become a World record holder didn’t come easy for Chef Hilda.
Hilda had submitted an application to Guinness a couple of times before it was approved. She had to go though a fitness journey to test her endurance.
She stated her cooking journey on the 11th of March. Only to be assisted in cooking preparations by her team as she has to do all cooking by herself.
Chef Hilda has been cooking and will cook for 97 HOURS.
The over 100 recipes were developed by Hilda and her team with over 80% of them being Nigerian recipes.
Only allowed to take small breaks per hour, Chef Hilda has cried. She is clearly tired but her efforts have not gone without recognition from prominent people in society.
From influencers to instrumental comedians, fellow chefs to the presence Governor of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu and even the Vice- President of the Federation, Yemi Osibanjo calling to congratulate and also encourage her.
By 08:32am today, Chef Hilda fulfilled her childhood dream. She had cooked for 88 hours and 32 minutes
She is now setting a new record for the longest cooking time by an individual.
Chef Hilda said that 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.”
However, Hilda’s cook-a-thon is not just about cooking. It shows the spirit of resilience and determination for greatness in Nigerians and Africans. The strive for excellence and ability to do great things in Africa.
Another side to Hilda’s cook-a-thon is the unity it brought to Nigeria.
In a season where the political arena is filled with hate speeches, social media bullying, Hilda has brought something to unite everyone again.
The ‘Hilda Effect’ ensured the coming together of people from all tribes to celebrate one Nigeria and one Nigerian is indeed a blessing to behold.
Below are the pictures from the Amore Gardens in Lekki area of Lagos State on Monday morning.
Photos by Ayo Efunla
