In a remarkable feat of culinary endurance, Hilda Baci has captured the nation’s attention with her record-breaking cooking marathon. Guinness World Records has officially recognized her achievement after an intensive review of CCTV footage from the event held in Lagos’ upscale area of Lekki.
Over the course of four days, Baci, a 27-year-old chef, tirelessly cooked for a staggering 93 hours and 11 minutes, surpassing the previous record set in India by more than five hours. However, she was docked seven hours due to a longer break taken on one occasion, bringing her final logged time to the record-breaking mark.
Baci’s cooking extravaganza, which commenced at 15:00 GMT on Thursday, May 11, saw her prepare a diverse array of over 100 dishes. Traditional Nigerian delicacies, such as jollof rice and akara, were among the highlights of her culinary repertoire. The food she meticulously crafted was generously distributed to invited guests throughout the event.
While no Guinness World Records officials were physically present during the marathon, they meticulously examined the CCTV footage to authenticate the accomplishment. According to the stringent rules, Baci was allowed a single assistant at a time and could only use her breaks for necessities like restroom visits or brief naps.
The ambitious chef revealed her motivation for this extraordinary endeavor, stating, “I just knew that I need to do something that is… out of the ordinary to put myself on the map, to put Nigeria on the map, to put young African women on the map.”
As the grueling cooking session progressed, Baci displayed visible signs of exhaustion, prompting the application of cold compresses to her head and foot massages during her brief respites. A dedicated medical assistant regularly monitored her vital signs to ensure her well-being.
The enthusiasm surrounding Baci’s record-breaking attempt extended well beyond the kitchen. Politicians and celebrities flocked to the event, offering their support and encouragement. Such was the overwhelming response to her achievement that the official website of Guinness World Records crashed for two days due to the massive influx of traffic from her devoted fan base.
Baci’s culinary prowess had previously earned her accolades, triumphing over other competitors at the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff” in 2021. Her victory in this intense competition cemented her reputation as the purveyor of West Africa’s most delectable and fiercely contested spicy rice meal.
Reflecting on her culinary journey, Baci credited her mother’s culinary techniques as the inspiration behind her passion for cooking. Emphasizing her commitment to authenticity, she proudly declared that her recipes were all homemade.
With her name etched into the annals of culinary history, Hilda Baci has not only left an indelible mark on Nigeria but has also become an inspiration for aspiring chefs and young African women worldwide.
