Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, popularly known as Hilda Baci, has achieved an incredible feat by smashing the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual after cooking nonstop for an astonishing 100 hours.

The previous record holder, Chef Lata Tondon, set a record of 87 hours and 45 minutes in India in 2019 and Hilda demolished that record, creating her own at 7:46 a.m. on Monday, May 15th, 2023, after surpassing Chef Lata’s mark. 

The 27-year-old Nigerian chef from Akwa Ibom embarked on this bold and daring feat on May 11th, 2023, cooking round the clock till May 15th, 2023, demonstrating her exceptional culinary skills and remarkable endurance. Her cooking marathon, “cook-a-thon”, was held at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos, where she cooked a variety of Nigerian dishes and international cuisines. She received recognition from renowned politicians, even Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari. 

I share the immense joy of all Nigerians as Hilda Bassey Effiong (Hilda Baci) makes history by breaking the world record for longest cooking marathon. A great day for Nigeria. We're all very proud of what she has personally accomplished—and placing Nigeria in the global spotlight pic.twitter.com/X69PadrjxV

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) May 15, 2023

Moreso, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, celebrities, and members of the press all gathered in an overwhelming display of support for her noble endeavor, creating an enthralling and delightful spectacle for both Nigerians and Hilda Baci herself. The overwhelming show of support for her praiseworthy pursuit was truly remarkable.

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… pic.twitter.com/R5qBP4U7wN

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 14, 2023

Hilda Baci previously represented Nigeria at the Jollof Faceoff Competition in 2021 and emerged as the winner. Her current accomplishment is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of Nigerian chefs, who often go unrecognised in the global culinary scene. 

The Official World Record Office is all set to verify the Guinness Book of Records attempt, ensuring that the process is thoroughly measured, standardised, and verifiable. The Cookathon, sponsored by My Food By Hilda, GB Foods, also received support from various esteemed companies such as Gino, Gino Max, Bama and Jumbo, Woodscope, Arla, Baigewallet, Filmhouse, Uber, Monty Suites, and the Culinary Arts Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAPA).

Congratulations to Hilda Baci for this incredible achievement!