Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, a Nigerian chef and entrepreneur, is on her way to breaking the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual.”
This comes after the chef reached the 85-hour mark on Monday morning, with fewer than three hours to set a new world record.
The battle began on Thursday at 4 p.m., when the restaurateur switched on her stove.
She hopes to beat the current Guinness World Record holder, Lata Tondon, an Indian cook who accomplished the feat in 2019.
The ceremony is being live-streamed on YouTube from Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, and various celebrities, including Nigerians who have braved the rain to cheer up the visibly fatigued chef.
Baci reached the three-day mark on Sunday, with several supporters cheering her on.
The cook-a-thon’s Instagram account, @hildabacicookathon, stated that GB Foods is the event’s main sponsor. Arla Foods, BaigeWallet, Filmhouse, Jumbo, Uber, and Woodscope are among the other advertisers.
The Cookathon has received attention both online and in person, with celebrities flocking in to support the chef.
Charles Okocha, a Nollywood actor; Kate Henshaw, an actress; Tiwa Savage, a musician; and Enioluwa, a media personality, were among those who attended the event.
On Sunday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also paid a visit to the location to cheer up Baci.
Kevin Adetiba, a filmmaker, tweeted, “REALLY rooting for HILDA BACHI.” I don’t know her personally, but her drive, ambition, and resilience really inspire and motivate me”.
“I’m sending her prayers and positive vibes to PUSH THROUGH.” She’s inspiring individuals she’s never met. GO, HILDA… YOU’VE GOT THIS!!”
Also read Hilda Baci set to break Guinness World record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi praised Baci for her “determination and focus.”
“Hilda Effiong Bassey’s (Hilda Baci’s) efforts to break the current Guinness World Record for cooking for four days nonstop demonstrate the true Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience.” I like her commitment and emphasis on the objective, which inspires many Nigerian youths to pursue their aspirations through hard work and dedication.
“I wish her all the best on this noble journey to inscribe her name in the golden book of history. -PO,” he tweeted on Sunday.
Baci is no stranger to cooking competitions; she competed in the inaugural edition of the Jollof Face-off Competition in 2021. The skilled chef made Nigeria proud by winning the competition and taking home a $5,000 grand prize.
