Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual, having cooked for 88 hours and 32 minutes.

Her cooking marathon challenge began on May 11th at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos State, and she surpassed the previous record set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019, who cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 secs.

Baci sees the cook-a-thon as an opportunity to showcase some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that she makes. She stated that she had prepared herself psychologically for the challenge and that it was proof of the strength young people could exhibit with the right platform and support.

At the time of filing the report, Baci had not stopped cooking.

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Baci’s achievement has been cheered by a rousing number of Nigerians, especially youths who were present at the scene of the record-breaking event.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre Lagos, Bolaji Idowu, and actor Charles Okocha, amongst others, visited Baci to show their support.

Prominent Nigerian leaders, including President-elect Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, have echoed their support for Hilda Baci. Tinubu described Baci as “Idan” who “doesn’t break, she breaks records.

We’re rooting for you, Hilda.” Obi applauded Baci’s determination and focus on the goal, which he believes is inspiring many Nigerian youths to live their dreams through hard work and dedication.