Hilda Baci: Guinness still reviewing Nigerian chef’s cooking record, as Dana Air offers 1yr free flight

Hours after breaking the longest cooking marathon record held by an individual previously set by Indian, Lata Tondon in 2019 for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds in Rewa, India, the Guinness World Records has said it is still reviewing the feat set by Nigerian Chef, Ms Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, Monday, May 15.

This is even as indigenous carrier, Dana Air has offered the Akwa Ibom-born chef a one year free ticket on all flights on its domestic routes.

After four days of cooking, by 11:22am, Monday, the 27-year old Hilda Baci had smashed Lata Tondon’s longest cooking record after she clocked 91 hours and 21 minutes.

Hilda Baci began the cooking challenge on Thursday, May 11 through to early Monday.

However, in response to an inquiry over why it is yet to record the feat on its site, the Guinness Book of Records wrote on their official Twitter handle; “We’re aware of this amazing record attempt, we need to review all the evidence first before officially confirming a record.”

As it is, the current record for the world’s longest cooking marathon is still Tondon, who completed the task in 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds in Rewa, India, in 2019.

Baci is no stranger to breaking records as she won the maiden edition of the ‘Jollof Faceoff’ competition held back in August 2021.

According to her, the journey to the cook-a-thon started five years ago.

“The journey to the cook-a-thon started five years ago. It is one of my biggest aspirations and I am glad that I took the bold step to embark on this adventure. I have taken time to prepare for this psychologically and I am proud to finally take on this challenge.

“The cook-a-thon is also an opportunity to tell some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that we make.”

“This attempt is also proof of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform and support. I look forward to receiving support from people across the world to achieve this feat,” she said.

Hilda Baci is a renowned food premier in Nigeria. She owns “Myfood by Hilda Baci,” an event catering company located in Lagos, Nigeria.

As the CEO and head chef of “Myfood by Hilda,” she has developed a reputation for providing delicious and healthy meals using locally sourced ingredients.

She is also known for her innovative cooking techniques and creative presentation, which have earned her a loyal following of customers and fans.

Meanwhile, Dana Air, in recognition of Hilda Baci’s feat, has offered the chef one year of free flight on its carrier on all its domestic routes.

The airline also offered Hilda’s mother three months of free tickets for all its domestic routes.

Speaking, Monday, on support for Hilda Baci, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Ememobong Ettete, said the airline has and will always support the craft, creativity, efforts, and innovations of young Nigerians who embody the true Nigerian spirit as a proudly Nigerian brand.

“We have always blazed the trail in terms of support for the arts and entertainment industry, health care, and culture and our corporate social responsibility has been all-encompassing.

“We will be supporting Hilda’s local travels for one year and We are inspired by her strength and determination for greatness. We understand her mum is also a chef and she must have gotten this inspiration from her and in the light of this, we shall be supporting her mum with 3 months of local flights for free. We thank Hilda’s mum for giving us an amazing daughter and for being a huge support system to Hilda.’

“We thank all those who came out to dispassionately support one of our own. You are the real MVP,” he added.

Now! Hilda Baci completes 100hrs of marathon cooking

Hilda Baci has stopped her record setting marathon cooking after clocking 100 hours. The Nigerian chef had previously set 96-hour target for herself after breaking Indian chef, Lata Tondon’s 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds record set in 2019.

Hilda Baci was initially scheduled to stop at 4 pm Nigerian time culminating into her former 96-hour target but stopped at Nigerian 8 pm to achieve a 100-hour target.

The world awaits official recognition by Guinness World Records to announce Ms Hilda Baci as the current holder for the longest cooking time by an individual.

Hilda who was born on September 20, 1996, holds a First degree in Sociology from the Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State.

She’s also appeared in multiple Nigerian TV shows and movies. She played a supporting lead character in the movie “Dream Chaser,” and appeared in some episodes of Sideways, Flatmates, A Walk on the Water, and Mr & Mrs Robert.