Hilda Effiong Bassey, a 27-year-old foodpreneur and TV producer, widely known as Hilda Baci, has made headlines around the world with her remarkable achievement in the longest cooking marathon.

She not only set a personal record of 96 hours but went on to surpass the previous world record held by Lata Tondon of India, who had cooked for 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019.

Baci embarked on a four-day cooking marathon called the ‘Hilda Baci Cookathon,’ which took place from May 11 to May 15, 2023, at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Lagos.

During this incredible feat, she cooked over 100 meals and provided food for more than a thousand people, showcasing her culinary skills and putting Nigeria on the global culinary map.

To sustain her energy, Baci took an hour-long break after every 12 hours of continuous cooking. Her family, friends, and well-wishers gathered at the venue, and notable celebrities such as Tiwa Savage, Banky and Adesua Wellington, Teni the entertainer, Spyro, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, showed their support.

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Hailing from Akwa Ibom, a state known for its rich culture, cuisine, and folklore, Baci has always had a passion for cooking. Her talent in the kitchen was nurtured by her mother, who owns a restaurant, and together with her brother, Baci started a food business called ‘My Food’ while studying Sociology at Madonna University.

Her entrepreneurial journey began as she managed Breaking King, a breakfast company, and she gained further recognition through her acting career, starring in movies and soap operas.

Consistency has been a key factor in Baci’s success. She utilized her cooking skills to become a favorite on cooking shows, hosting segments such as ‘In my Kitchen’ on Rave TV’s Morning Rave and ‘Dine on A Budget’ on Pop Central TV.

Her culinary talent was acknowledged when she won the Jollof Faceoff Competition in Ghana, earning a $5,000 prize.

Baci’s dedication to her craft led her to establish ‘My Food by Hilda,’ a highly regarded restaurant and food delivery service in Lekki, Lagos.

Despite initial challenges, her resilience and determination resulted in the opening of the restaurant in June 2022. Additionally, Baci shares her knowledge and skills by teaching culinary lessons both online and in-person, with her latest class boasting almost 2,000 students.