Visibility and respect. These two words were the main motivations for the Nigerian chef to Hilda Effiong Bassey also known as Hilda Baci, embarked on a challenge to cook for 100 hours straight, aiming to set a world record.
The chef’s marathon started last Thursday (11) and ended on Monday (15). During the period, Hilda created more than 55 recipes and cooked about 100 complete meals, with the aim of exposing the best of Nigerian cuisine to the world.
In an interview with CNN Hilda says she took on the challenge “because she wanted to put Nigerian food on the map” and to highlight young African women who are marginalized in society.
Nigerian cuisine is the best there is. The more recipes that are released, the more people will be willing to try them. Nigerian food is so comforting.
Hilda Bassey, Nigerian chef
sensation in nigeria
The chef, famous in the country, became a symbol of inspiration for the local population. During the marathon, Hilda was joined by thousands of excited fans.
A man named Uduak Obong told the CNN who traveled hundreds of kilometers to arrive in the capital Lagos, just to accompany the chef.
“I drove 12 hours to be here to support my sister, my friend. She is just amazing,” she said.
celebrity endorsements
In addition to the local population, personalities from Nigeria showed support and highlighted the importance of Hilda’s achievement.
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari said on social networks that “all the Nigerian people are proud” of Hilda’s achievement, in addition to emphasizing that the attitude made the world turn to the country.
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
In the same publication, President Buhari said that the chef “is now a cultural icon and I believe that this feat will inspire many more young people”.
The model and businessman Enioluwa Adeoluwa a public figure in Nigeria, told CNN that the chef is doing an “amazing job”.
“When a Nigerian is doing something, we all come out to show support. We are very excited,” she states.
The actor damiola ogunsi also showed support for the marathon, emphasizing that the feat could open the door to African gastronomy.
Hilda is opening the door to the African food market and showing all the young people here that if you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Damiola Ogunsi, Nigerian actor
100 hours cooking
The chef started the challenge last Thursday morning (11) and ended on Monday night (15).
To support the long period of cooking, Hilda took five-minute breaks every hour. Every 12 hours, she also stopped for medical examinations and a shower.
A CNN Bassey admits he thought about quitting on day one.
The first day was the hardest. I was ready to give up six hours later. I feel like a miracle happened and somehow I got to it.
Hilda Bassey, Nigerian chef
Hilda surpassed the record of 87 hours cooking. The brand belonged to an Indian chef tondon tin .
Even so, the Guinness World Records said he needs to look into whether all the criteria have been met to “pass the crown” to Bassey.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
