How Nigerians cheered Hilda Baci to set new world record for longest cooking
Hilda Effiong Bassey, also known as Hilda Baci, the Nigerian chef, and foodpreneur who made history on Monday, May 16, 2023, for the longest cooking by an individual, is being celebrated across Nigeria and some parts of Africa as she beat the record previously set by India’s Lata Tondon.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President-elect Bola Tinubu, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu are among the star power who joined millions of young Nigerians to cheer Hilda to her historic cooking marathon which started on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Hilda stopped cooking at 8:40pm on Monday, May 15, 2023, after 100 hours to set a new record.
We take a look at how Nigerians from the President to the citizens cheered her on in her quest to make history.
President Muhammadu Buhari
The president praised her for her determination, ambition, and resilience which serve as a powerful example for aspiring individuals, both within Nigeria and internationally.
Buhari tweeted on his official Twitter handle: “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, Hilda’s drive, ambition and resilience have brought great interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food. She is now a cultural icon, and I believe that this feat will inspire many more young people, in Nigeria and beyond, to follow in her footsteps”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also showed support by having a call and motivating her, He also took to his Twitter account to congratulate her, He wrote”Hilda, 100 hours! Wow 🤩
Congratulations on breaking the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual”. What an extraordinary achievement! We are all immensely proud of you.”Hilda, as you set this new World Record, we are cheering you on, every step of the way!Go, Hilda, go!”
Bola Tinubu
In an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Cooking, Hilda Baci also got commendations from Tinubu, Nigeria’s president-elect. In an Instagram live video on Sunday, Tinubu expressed his support for Baci with the remark, “IDAN doesn’t break, she breaks records. You have our support, Hilda. He also congratulated her via his Twitter handle
‘I congratulate Hilda Effiong Bassey on her record-breaking achievement. It was a remarkable display of the Nigerian can-do attitude and the spirit of excellence that lies within. We are all deeply proud of her.
Peter Obi
The Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi also took to his Twitter account to show support for the restaurateur, He wrote “The efforts being made by Hilda Effiong Bassey (Hilda Baci) to beat the current Guinness World Record for cooking for 4 days nonstop shows the true Nigerian spirit of hard work and resilience, I applaud her determination and focus on the goal, which is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hard work and dedication.
I wish her well on this noble journey to pen her name in the golden book of history. -PO”
Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice president and PDP’s Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar also showed support to her.
He wrote on his official Twitter account, “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 congratulatory message, He wrote Congratulations, Chef Hilda🍴 ! A proud nation thanks you for cooking Nigeria into the Guinness Book of Records. Keep the sumptuous meals flowing 😄. -AA”
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was one of the prominent personalities who visited Hilda at the venue of the cook-a-thin on Sunday to show support wrote “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”
In his congratulatory statement, He wrote “Huge congratulations to Chef Hilda Baci on breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest hours spent cooking. I had the privilege of visiting and tasting her amazing dishes yesterday. The flavor, passion and dedication she puts into her work are unparalleled. Hilda, you’ve made Lagos proud and your accomplishment is a testament to the Nigerian spirit. Keep cooking up greatness! 🍽️🔥”.
Udom Emmanuel
Udom Emmanuel, the governor of Akwa- Ibom State where Hilda hails from, also wrote “I spoke with Hilda Baci this evening and commended her for representing the best attributes of the Akwa Ibom woman, for her passion and determination to break the Guinness World record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual.
Bukola Saraki
Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki also congratulated her using his Twitter account, He wrote, “Events like Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon, which has broken the Guinness World Record, remind us of our shared humanity. I congratulate Hilda not only for breaking the record, but also for somehow bringing Nigerians of all ages, religions, and political affiliations together to support a common cause. Such actions speak to the fact that we all love to witness the ‘can-do’ spirit of Nigerians and it also reminds us that despite our differences, we all aspire to achieve greatness.”
Such actions speak to the fact that we all love to witness the ‘can-do’ spirit of Nigerians and it also reminds us that despite our differences, we all aspire to achieve greatness.
Oby Ezekwesili
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli ‘Oby’ Ezekwesili also took to her Twitter account to congratulate and support her, she wrote “What a great start of work week for Nigerians, courtesy of @hildabacicooks! Congratulations and many thanks for resounding the message of dignity of effort, productivity, and merit in gaining rewards of national recognition and global acclaim. We salute and celebrate you!🤩🫂🦾
